Volkswagen Group of America Unveils Major Educational Philanthropic Effort; Opens U.S. Headquarters

Business Wire, Sept 18, 2008

Company Contributes $2.1 Million for "Partners in Education" Program Designed to Support Region's Technical Training and Next Generation Engineering Programs

HERNDON, Va. -- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. today announced a five-year, $2.1 million comprehensive education initiative designed to support students and teachers interested in advanced automotive technology and next generation automotive engineering. The company announced its "Partners in Education" program - a partnership with schools and technical institutions throughout Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area - at the grand opening of the company's new U.S. corporate headquarters.

Professor Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group, and Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, unveiled the philanthropic initiative targeted to support the home region of the U.S. corporate headquarters. The donations will provide financial, educational and other needed resources to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), the D.C.-based Excel Institute, George Mason University, Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia. Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and representatives from the educational institutions also were in attendance.

"At Volkswagen, economic success and corporate responsibility walk hand in hand. Our Group is a committed partner of the regions in which we do business. Education is high on our agenda, since this is key to a strong future for people all around the world. Volkswagen already has close links with high schools and universities worldwide, and we are proud to announce another major education initiative here," said Winterkorn. "I also want to thank the Town of Herndon, the Commonwealth of Virginia and Gov. Kaine for such a warm welcome. This new headquarters is an important milestone in our success in the U.S., and we are looking forward to many years of great cooperation."

"We are happy to have this chance to give something back to our community. We work here, we live here, and we intend to give here," said Jacoby. "Our five-year education program is comprehensive and will serve as a catalyst for further educational entrepreneurship. It will help students whether they are in high school, technical school, community college, university or graduate school. With all of these programs, we will train teachers so they can share knowledge on automotive safety and environmental technology."

Winterkorn and Jacoby, along with Gov. Kaine; Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of AUDI AG; and Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice President, Audi of America, also participated in officially opening the new U.S. corporate headquarters.

Volkswagen Group employees, local Audi and Volkswagen dealers, community leaders, state and local elected officials from Virginia and Tennessee, as well as representatives from the education, business and trade sectors celebrated the opening of the contemporary headquarters building.

"Volkswagen announced one year ago its plans to invest $100 million to establish U.S. headquarters in Fairfax County," said Gov. Kaine. "This important education initiative further demonstrates Volkswagen's commitment to the Commonwealth, and will have a major impact on Virginia's future economic success. We are honored by Volkswagen Group's generosity, and we look forward to a long and successful partnership."

"A year ago, we announced that the Volkswagen Group of America would move its headquarters to the Commonwealth of Virginia as part of a strategic new direction for the Group. Today, we welcome you to our new home," said Jacoby. "I thank Gov. Kaine for his support. He showed us that Virginia had the right business environment and the uniquely qualified workforce that we need to thrive."

"Partners in Education" Program

Volkswagen Group of America's "Partners in Education" program focuses on creating a comprehensive education initiative for institutions in the greater Washington, D.C. area and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The partnership with high schools, universities, technical schools, and community colleges is designed to positively impact students throughout their educational experience and throughout the region.

The multi-year and multi-faceted partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools will establish an advanced automotive technologies program that will benefit more than 1,200 students. The program will train next generation engineers and mechanics; foster a highly educated group of environmentally conscious engineers and mechanics; and build a skilled homegrown local workforce.

"If you have an interest in the environmental engineering side of automotive technology, Fairfax County Public Schools will soon be the place to be. The partnership developed with Volkswagen Group executives and FCPS will allow students to learn about the company's new clean diesel engine and other environmentally responsible technologies," said Jack D. Dale, Superintendent, Fairfax County Public Schools. "Volkswagen's and Audi's offer to donate cars and fund this program allows the school system to offer additional relevant, hands-on, and timely training for students - something our business community continually tells us it wants. Thank you, Volkswagen Group, for working with FCPS to develop a well-funded plan that is good for students and your future employees."