Volkswagen #PinkBeetle Auction Raises Money To Fight Breast Cancer With Giuliana Rancic's FAB-U-WISH And The Pink Agenda

Winning bidder claims first limited-edition 2017 #PinkBeetle in the United States before hitting dealer showrooms in October

News provided by

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Sep 27, 2016, 07:00 ET

HERNDON, Va., Sept. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today announced the completion of the auction of the first U.S. limited-edition 2017 Volkswagen #PinkBeetle, raising $30,272.00. Proceeds from the winning bid will support the efforts of FAB-U-WISH and The Pink Agenda to raise money for breast cancer research and care, including granting wishes to women undergoing breast cancer treatment and increasing awareness of the disease among young professionals.

The winning bidder, Lisa Koehnen, of California, is a 12-year breast cancer survivor, and eager to get behind the wheel of her #PinkBeetle. "I'd like to thank Volkswagen, The Pink Agenda, and Fab-U-WISH for the opportunity to own this car," remarked Koehnen. "I'm surviving, thriving and driving!"

"We are thrilled that the first limited edition #PinkBeetle has helped raise money to join the fight against breast cancer by supporting the efforts of FAB-U-WISH and The Pink Agenda through this auction," said Vinay Shahani, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Volkswagen of America. "Volkswagen is proud to have worked with FAB-U-WISH, The Pink Agenda, and Giuliana Rancic, in their commitment to raising awareness for the cause, and finding a cure. The auction winner – and all bidders who participated – should be proud of their generosity."

The Pink Agenda finds, funds and supports programs, including FAB-U-WISH, that take steps closer to finding a cure for breast cancer. FAB-U-WISH was established by breast cancer survivor and TV personality Giuliana Rancic to help women undergoing treatment feel upbeat and bright.

#PinkBeetle was brought to market based on feedback from Beetle fans across the country. Initially shown as a concept at the 2015 New York Auto Show, the exclusive run of the 2017 Volkswagen #PinkBeetle model will be available in coupe and convertible configurations in a unique shade of Fresh Fuchsia Metallic paint, the first factory-offered shade of pink in the Beetle's history. #PinkBeetle, the first-ever vehicle officially named as its own hashtag, will be offered in limited quantities across the United States beginning this October, and is poised to become an immediate automotive trending topic.

The limited edition Beetle model's eye-catching pink paint is contrasted by gloss-black mirror caps and black running boards. Interior design features of the #PinkBeetle include a black dashpad with surrounding pink accent; a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; Pink Club cloth seats, reminiscent of the signature plaid inserts of the GTI; and pink piping. The starting MSRP is $21,890 for the #PinkBeetle Coupe, and $26,795 for the Convertible (excluding destination).

The #PinkBeetle auction ran from September 1 – 22 at charitybuzz.com/vwpinkbeetle.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state -of-the- art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, CC, Eos, e-Golf, Golf, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan and Touareg vehicles through approximately 652 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

Notes: This press release and images are available at media.vw.com. Follow us @VWNews

All prices listed are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price and exclude transportation, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Dealers set actual prices.

About The Pink Agenda & FAB-U-WISH
The Pink Agenda believes that engaging today's generation can go a long way toward finding tomorrow's cure for breast cancer. That's why The Pink Agenda, together with its partner the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, is working with the next generation of leaders to find and fund programs that are improving the lives of those suffering from breast cancer and conducting the groundbreaking research necessary to improve their odds. The Pink Agenda, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization launched in 2007, has contributed nearly $2 million to breast cancer research. In 2014, The Pink Agenda partnered with breast cancer survivor and television personality Giuliana Rancic and her initiative FAB-U-WISH. Together, Giuliana Rancic's FAB-U-WISH and The Pink Agenda grant the most fabulous wishes to young women undergoing treatment for this devastating disease. www.thepinkagenda.org