Volkswagen Drives the Ultimate Endurance Challenge at the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 6, 2009 -- Volkswagen of America, Inc., the official automotive sponsor of the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, is challenging world-renowned ultra marathoner, Dean Karnazes, to an ultimate test of endurance and long distance efficiency: Run two marathon distances on the same day, back-to-back, for a total of 52.4 miles. Karnazes has accepted Volkswagen's challenge to complete the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, followed by an additional 26.2-mile run, and aims to prove that just like Volkswagen vehicles with TDIŽ clean diesel technology, he has the performance credentials to go farther, mile for mile, than the competition.

As 'Diesel Dean' Karnazes and nearly 45,000 other athletes take on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11, 2009, the fuel efficient and fun-to-drive 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and all-new 2010 Golf TDI clean diesel models will also be keeping pace.

"Volkswagen of America is proud to support Dean Karnazes, whose commitment to surpassing boundaries is an inspiration to us all," said Tim Ellis, VP of Marketing for Volkswagen of America, Inc. "'Diesel Dean' personifies Volkswagen's mission for TDI clean diesel technology, which offers a no compromise solution for drivers who demand fuel economy without sacrificing driving performance."

Karnazes will start his double marathon with all of the other participating athletes from around the world, as they embark on the 26.2 mile Windy City course. Once he crosses the finish line, 'Diesel Dean' will then power on to run yet another 26.2 miles throughout the city. Fans will be able follow 'Diesel Dean's' progress and cheer him on live at TDIDoubleMarathon.com and TDITruthandDare.com, where he will post photo and Twitter updates throughout the challenge.

"Being able to run the Chicago Marathon, and then another marathon distance immediately after, requires just the right blend of performance and efficiency - two traits that I admire about Volkswagen and its line of TDI clean diesel vehicles, " said Dean Karnazes.

Before the Marathon begins, fans can come meet Karnazes, get his autograph, have him sign copies of his bestselling books, and listen to him speak about his double marathon attempt at the Volkswagen interactive display, which will be in Booth # 437 of the Health and Fitness Expo at McCormick Place. Karnazes will be on-hand on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 4:00pm CT, as he offers up inspirational tips and tricks and talks about his experiences as an ultra marathoner. Throughout the entire Marathon weekend, visitors can also stop by the Volkswagen interactive display to experience first-hand the latest Volkswagen models, as well as TDI clean diesel technology.

Volkswagen offers a full line of vehicles with the ready-to-go performance and fuel sipping capabilities that can only be found with TDI clean diesel technology, including: The 2010 Jetta TDI, the 2010 Jetta SportWagen TDI, the 2010 Golf TDI, and the 2010 Touareg TDI. Whether cruising along the highway, or traveling in the city, each model boasts 30 percent better fuel economy and 25 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than models with a comparable gasoline engine.

To learn about Volkswagen's latest models with TDI clean diesel technology, and they are helping drivers go even farther, please visit the TDI Truth & Dare blog at TDITruthandDare.com. For more information on Volkswagen, please visit www.vw.com, or media.vw.com. To catch up with ultra marathoner 'Diesel Dean' Karnazes, please visit www.UltraMarathonMan.com.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Eos, Passat, Passat wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2010 Volkswagen models come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.

About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon

In its 32nd year and a member of the World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon annually attracts 45,000 runners including a world class elite field and 1.5 million spectators. As a result of its national and international draw, the iconic race assists in raising $10 million for a variety of charitable causes while generating an estimated $143 million economic impact to its host city.

The 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Chicago's Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11. In advance of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10. More information on the race is available at the event Web site, www.chicagomarathon.com.