Volkswagen Celebrates 15 Years as Chicago Marathon Sponsor

CHICAGO, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America announced today its 15th consecutive year as the official automotive sponsorship of the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.  As part of the sponsorship, Volkswagen has created the ultimate Volkswagen FanZone to help fans and runners celebrate. Marathon weekend also will serve as the Chicago debut of the all-new 2011 Jetta, including The Great Jetta Giveaway, where consumers can enter for a chance to win a two-year lease on the all-new Jetta.

"Volkswagen is proud of its longstanding sponsorship of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon which underscores the brand's overall commitment to sports," said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, who is running the Marathon for the second time. "This relationship with one of the nation's most prestigious races allows us to reach active lifestyle consumers and we look forward to showcasing the all-new 2011 Jetta for the first time in the Chicago region throughout Marathon Weekend."

Kicking off the weekend at the Health & Fitness Expo, Volkswagen will showcase the all-new 2011 Jetta and consumers will enjoy an appearance by ultramarathon runner "Diesel" Dean Karnazes. Runners and fans also will be able to enter The Great Jetta Giveaway, courtesy of Chicagoland Volkswagen Dealers. Volkswagen will introduce Team VW, a group of 15 runners – coinciding with its 15-year sponsorship – each who won a sweepstakes earning a coveted entry spot into the Marathon. In appreciation of its customers' support, Volkswagen will provide free Expo parking to Volkswagen drivers, as well as free Volkswagen gear.

On race day event-goers are invited to enjoy the free Volkswagen FanZone along Mile 12 (at Wacker and Franklin).  Hosted by musician Doug E. Fresh, with a special appearance by OK Go and featuring performances by DJs Z-Trip, Show Business and Chris Masterson, the Volkswagen FanZone is the ultimate marathon party place to watch the race. Additionally, just past the finish line, at Mile 27, Volkswagen will distribute free giveaways and showcase Volkswagen vehicles at the post-race celebration.

The all-new 2011 Jetta will arrive in dealer showrooms throughout the month of October. The vehicle delivers style, design, precision German engineering, and class-leading rear legroom and trunk space, all at the surprisingly accessible price of around $16,000.

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.