Volkswagen's All-New Golf TDI Named Finalist for 2010 Green Car of the Year

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 8, 2009 -- Volkswagen of America announced today its all-new Golf TDI has been selected by the Green Car Journal as a 2010 Green Car of the YearŽ finalist. The Green Car of the Year will be awarded during a press conference during this year's Los Angeles Auto Show Press Days, December 3, 2009.

"We're extremely pleased to have our Golf TDI nominated as one of the top five finalists for the 2010 Green Car of the Year," said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America. "Since our clean diesel TDI vehicles, like the Golf TDI, deliver more than a thirty percent increase in fuel economy, emit approximately twenty-five percent less harmful greenhouse gas emissions and provide a significant increase in torque we strongly believe they represent an excellent alternative fuel vehicle that provides our customers with the best of both worlds -- tremendous fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience," added Barnes.

The Golf TDI features the same efficient and fun-to-drive 2.0-liter four cylinder clean diesel engine that is found in the highly acclaimed Jetta TDI, which currently holds a world record for averaging 67.9 miles-per-gallon when it was driven the 48 contiguous states in 19 days. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Golf TDI at an economical 30 mpg City, and 42 mpg Highway. The Golf TDI is 50-state compliant and meets the most stringent emissions standards of California.

The Golf TDI starts at $21,990, and with its affordable price point, refined ride and handling, tremendous fuel economy, and greatly reduced greenhouse gas emissions the Golf TDI proves to be a very competent eco-friendly vehicle.

Demonstrating not only the fuel efficiency of today's clean diesels, but also their ability to greatly lower our country's dependence on foreign oil EPA research has concluded that if diesels were to power one third of all light duty vehicles in the United States, the shift would save approximately 1.4 million barrels of oil a day -- equal to the daily shipments from Saudi Arabia to the U.S.

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, CC, Passat, Passat wagon, Tiguan, Touareg, and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2010 Volkswagens 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 vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.