Volkswagen Becomes First Auto Manufacturer To Launch a Car Exclusively on a Mobile Device

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today
announced the launch of the all-new 2010 GTI via the App Store by making
available a free version of the popular Firemint Real Racing game that
exclusively features the all-new 2010 GTI. This is the first time an
automotive manufacturer has used the App Store to launch a new vehicle.
Additionally, users of the Real Racing GTI App in the U.S. can compete for the
chance to win one of six, limited-edition 2010 GTIs that are fully-customized
inside and out.


(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091022/DE96311-a )
(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091022/DE96311-b )


The free Real Racing GTI App is available worldwide and spares no detail,
allowing players to experience every thrilling aspect of the all-new 2010 GTI
right in the palms of their hands on iPhone and iPod touch. From the
redesigned exterior with more aggressive headlights and the famous red-striped
grille, to the sporty interior with a race-inspired steering wheel, the
all-new 2010 GTI races its way to life on the screen for a thrilling gaming
experience.


"With the personalization of media and the challenges inherent with reaching
constantly connected consumers, we tasked ourselves to rethink the way we
launch vehicles in order to engage our consumers in a meaningful way," said
Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "The GTI
customer is a tech-savvy consumer who enjoys social networking, playing games
and spending time on mobile devices - most often an iPhone. Launching the
all-new 2010 GTI via the Real Racing GTI App allows us to connect with this
savvy GTI consumer within his or her everyday life in a way that no 30-second
spot ever could."


U.S.-registered players enjoying the action of the Real Racing GTI App will be
challenged to put their skills to the test for a chance to win one of six
limited-edition 2010 GTI models. The more they play, the more chances they
have to win. Each week for six consecutive weeks beginning today, one player
will be chosen to win the ultimate racing prize: the exclusive GTI MkVI, an
individually-numbered, specially-tuned version of the legendary hatchback.
Each model includes the GTI's 2.0T 200hp four-cylinder engine, a performance
tuned suspension finished with black, Volkswagen motorsport 18-inch all-new
wheels, and special interior touches, including carbon fiber-look trim, a
numbered dash plaque, and unique stitching in the front headrests. For more
information on the competition please visit: www.vw.com/RealRacingGTI.


Given the ever-increasing prominence of social networking in the lives of the
games' target consumers, Real Racing GTI includes several features designed to
foster social connectivity. These include the ability of players to send
messages to their competitors via Twitter and to capture and upload videos of
their best laps to the game's YouTube channel for international bragging
rights.  Additionally, GTI MkVI buyers will also be able to configure their
vehicles, modeled after the six prize cars, at participating Volkswagen
dealerships throughout the U.S.


The Real Racing GTI App is available for free from the App Store on the iPhone
and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.  No purchase is necessary to
enter the contest, which officially ends on December 2 at 11:59PM.


For more about the 2010 Volkswagen GTI, the Real Racing GTI game, and an
in-depth look at the six GTI prize editions that are waiting to hit the
streets, please visit www.media.vw.com. 




About Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen Group 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. Through its Volkswagen
division, VWGoA sells the Golf, GTI, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible,
Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Eos, Passat, Passat Wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and
Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2010 Volkswagen
models come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is
important because the National Highway and 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.


About Firemint


Firemint creates fun, addictive games. The studio has worked with the
industry's leading publishers developing over 30 titles from notable
franchises as well as originals. Firemint's first self-published iPhone game
Flight Control has been a world-wide #1 App Store hit. Firemint's second
self-published iPhone game, the high-end 3D pro racing title Real Racing, has
been critically acclaimed as a triumph for the platform. Founded in 1999 by
CEO Robert Murray, Firemint is located in Melbourne, Australia's games
development hub, and employs 35 people. For more information about Firemint,
please visit www.firemint.com.