Volkswagen Opens New Dealership in Downtown Walnut Creek to Better Accommodate Customer Needs and Grow Sales

30,000 Square-Foot Facility Touts New VW White Frame Facility Image Design

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today celebrated the groundbreaking of a new 30,000-square-foot dealership that will be built to accommodate growing sales and provide customers an increased portfolio of amenities. Located in downtown Walnut Creek, the new Dirito Brothers dealership will offer customers such amenities as a state-of-the-art service department with enclosed service reception, an expansive vehicle showroom, and a large, comfortable customer lounge. The Dirito Brothers have been recognized as a top-performing dealer for Volkswagen, boasting a strong history of success in the San Francisco East Bay. The new facility will triple the size of their existing facility.

The new dealership will also showcase Volkswagen's new White Frame Facility image design, which, with its clear, simple shape, is key to Volkswagen's visual identity and will be incorporated in all the elements of the dealership. The frame accentuates elements such as the facade, ensuring clear differentiation from other structures. Inside, the White Frame is used for the presentation of vehicles and products and is even reflected in the furniture.

Moreover, the new facility touts sustainable design solutions including low-irrigation landscaping and permeable paving systems.

"Two of Volkswagen's major objectives are excellent customer service and a distinctive brand presence," said Werner Mersch, Volkswagen's Western Region Director. "This new facility marries both of those concepts by providing customers a vast array of top-notch services in a state-of-the-art facility that touts Volkswagen's new look."

About 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 Eos, Golf, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Passat Wagon, CC, 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 Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt.

Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or  www.media.vw.com to learn more.

SOURCE Volkswagen of America, Inc.