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New York State Volkswagen Dealership First to Enter 21st Century

7 October 1999

New York State Volkswagen Dealership First to Enter 21st Century

               The New Hudson Valley Volkswagen Showroom Leads
                      Nationwide Modernization Campaign

    WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y., Oct. 6 -- This week a local
dealership will get a headstart on the new millennium.  Tom Coughlin's
New Hudson Valley Volkswagen Showroom is the first dealership nationwide to
modernize for the 21st century with a new look called the "Volkswagen
Marketplace," which will gradually roll out across the United States.
    The "Volkswagen Marketplace" is the German automaker's worldwide
commitment to enhancing its customers' brand experiences at the showroom
level.  The new architecture and showroom concept create an inviting and
friendly environment, unique to Volkswagen.  Its versatile design allows for
site-specific modifications to meet the needs of the regional marketplace,
while maintaining a globally consistent identity for the brand.
    "Throughout the 1990s, awareness of the Volkswagen brand in the United
States has grown," said David Wicks, Team Leader, Sales Operations, Volkswagen
of America.  "The 'Volkswagen Marketplace' will create a consistent brand
image for Volkswagen at the dealer level thereby increasing brand recognition.
The dealership is where customers can experience the brand and its unique
personality -- Volkswagen people, cars, lifestyle and information.  The new
design will allow customers to enjoy a more consistent brand experience at any
dealership they visit."
    "Our dealers are our primary point of contact with our customers," said
Gerd Klauss, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America.  "Dealers like
Tom Coughlin are investing in the brand, and they will see the greatest
rewards in the form of increased customer satisfaction and sales."  In just
nine months this year, Volkswagen has already exceeded its total 1998 annual
sales mark, up more than 40% from the same period last year.
    A total of 26 exclusive Volkswagen facilities will be completed in the
U.S. by the end of 1999.  In addition to these stand-alone facilities,
108 U.S. dealers will further differentiate Volkswagen from other marques that
they may represent.
    Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., is headquartered in Auburn
Hills, Mich., and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG.  Volkswagen
is among the largest automakers in the world and Europe's number one seller.
The Volkswagen Group currently accounts for more than 11 percent of the world
car market.  It markets a full line of Volkswagen vehicles through a network
of about 600 Volkswagen dealers.  In the United States, Volkswagen has sold
more than 10.6 million cars and is the top-selling European importer.
Volkswagen of America imports cars from company plants in Germany and Mexico
through port operations in San Diego, Calif., Boston, Mass., Wilmington, Del.,
Brunswick, Ga., and Houston, Texas.