Volkswagen Group UK Becomes The First Vehicle Manufacturer To Join Tyresafe

LONDON, United Kingdom – February 12, 2009: United Kingdom The Volkswagen Group UK Ltd has affirmed its commitment to driver safety and responsible motoring by becoming the first vehicle manufacturer to join tyre safety organisation TyreSafe. The five brands which make up the Group - Audi, SEAT, Škoda, Volkswagen and Volkswagen CommercialVehicles - have become full members and will participate in a series of national campaigns highlighting the importance of tyres in road safety.

“The addition of a vehicle manufacturer to our organisation is an important step forward for TyreSafe,” comments Rob Beddis, chairman, TyreSafe. “As we continually expand and engage with the wider automotive industry, the Volkswagen Group’s extensive experience of dealing with motorists and fleets will be invaluable to future TyreSafe campaigns. We look forward to receiving a fresh perspective and input, helping to reduce the number of accidents caused by defective tyres.”

As TyreSafe members, the brands of the Volkswagen Group will draw on the strength of their combined nationwide network of 800 dealers to spread the TyreSafe message and promote correct tyre maintenance to their customers. The Group recently supported TyreSafe during Tyre Safety Month by displaying posters and leaflets at many of its dealerships across the country.

“We are delighted to be the first vehicle manufacturer to join TyreSafe,” comments Tim Peacock, Aftersales Product Manager at the Volkswagen Group. “Our decision to become members reflects our commitment to the safety of our customers and other road users. TyreSafe’s work to encourage a safer, more responsible approach to motoring fits exactly with the Volkswagen Group’s brand values of quality, reliability and safety, and we believe that joining the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation will help us communicate the importance of correct tyre maintenance to our customers.”

Members of TyreSafe include major tyre manufacturers, tyre retailers and suppliers of tyre associated equipment. The organisation provides tyre safety advice on all types of vehicle, and targets consumers, business users and commercial fleets with tailored tyre safety campaigns.

“We hope that by joining TyreSafe, the Volkswagen Group will lead the way within the automotive industry to promote the importance of tyre safety, influencing other vehicle manufacturers and suppliers in the drive to raise consumer awareness of the dangers of incorrect tyre maintenance,” concludes Peacock.