The up! Named "World Car of the Year 2012"

WOLFSBURG, Germany and NEW YORK, April 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The up! has been named "World Car of the Year" by a jury of 66 top journalists from 25 countries today at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. The Volkswagen up! city car was selected out of three finalists to secure the internationally recognized prize.

"This award shows once again that in the up!, our designers and engineers have created a vehicle that has been thought through in minute detail. A vehicle that sets standards in its class for efficient use of space, safety, motoring fun and environmental compatibility," said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG.

Since its launch in December, the up! has been making waves. Within just a short time of its launch, it topped new vehicle registrations in Germany and consumer protection organization Euro NCAP awarded the city car a top score of five points and the "Advanced Award" for its city emergency braking system. The up! has garnered other accolades, including the "iF design award in Gold," the "2011 Goldene Lenkrad" (Golden Steering Wheel) and three awards from British motoring magazine "What Car?: Car of the Year", "City Car 2012" and the "Safety Award."

On a minimal footprint (3.54 m long) the up! provides plenty of space for four people, as well as the debut of a new generation of three-cylinder gasoline engines. They deliver 44 kW / 60 PS and 55 kW / 75 PS and are also available with the environmentally friendly BlueMotion Technology.

Additional information and images can be found at www.volkswagen-media-services.com.

SOURCE Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.