---

Volkswagen Sales up 78.8 Percent

2 March 1999

Volkswagen Sales up 78.8 Percent - Best February Since 1981 - Best Passat Sales Ever

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 2 -- Volkswagen of America, Inc.
today reported its best February sales in 18 years.
    In February, Volkswagen sold 20,888 new cars in the U.S., which represents
a 78.8 percent increase over last year's mark of 11,682.
    For the year, Volkswagen is well ahead of last year's pace.  Year-to-date,
Volkswagen has sold 37,037 new cars, up 62.4 percent from the same period in
1998 when sales were 22,801.
    February also represented another record sales month for Volkswagen's
midsize Passat sedan and wagon.  The Passat enjoyed its best sales month ever
with 4,262 sold in February, versus last year's mark of 2,731, an increase of
56 percent.
    Volkswagen's top-selling Jetta model -- which is all-new for 1999 -- also
enjoyed brisk February sales of 7,929 versus 1998's mark of 6,568.  The Jetta
continues to be America's best-selling European nameplate.