VWoA Dedicated to Helping Those Devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

[ASurroca]

30 September 2005
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA DEDICATED TO HELPING THOSE DEVASTATED BY HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA

Volkswagen of America, Inc. to contribute cash, vehicles and matching funds to the American Red Cross

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America announced today that its Foundation will make an immediate cash donation of $500,000 to the American Red Cross Hurricane 2005 Relief Fund to help support the relief work in the Gulf States devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Volkswagen Foundation has also pledged up to an additional $250,000 in matching funds from a dealer matching gift program, and up to an additional $50,000 from an employee matching gift program.

“We hope this provides some immediate measure of relief to people hurt by such a tragic chain of events,” said Frank Witter, President and CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Many Volkswagen and Audi dealers have a long history of community business and involvement in the affected areas; unfortunately, some of our dealers know the suffering first hand as they have endured severe damage as well."

Volkswagen Credit, Audi Financial Services, and Bentley Financial Services, the finance arms of Volkswagen of America, Inc., Audi of America, Inc., and Bentley Motors, Inc., have announced that they will defer payments, forgo late charges and suspend interest for their customers affected by Katrina and now Rita.

In addition to financial support, Volkswagen of America is also offering to lend a number of four-wheel drive Touareg sport utility vehicles to the American Red Cross for use in their local relief efforts.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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 of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising in total more than 900 independent U.S. dealers.

source: Volkswagen of America press release