Volkswagen to Launch a Car Exclusively on a Mobile Device

VOLKSWAGEN BECOMES FIRST AUTO MANUFACTURER TO LAUNCH A CAR EXCLUSIVELY ON A MOBILE DEVICE

"Free Real Racing GTI Game Brings Volkswagen All-New 2010 GTI to Iphone and iPod touch"

"Six U.S. Players will each win one of six customized Limited-Edition GTI MkVI Vehicles Through December 2"

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 GTI’s that are fully customized inside and out.

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 ways 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, they 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 200 hp 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 stitches 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 the 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 necessary to enter the contest, which officially ends on December 2, at 11:59pm.

Additional GTI Facts:

The all new 2010 GTI is available now at Volkswagen dealerships throughout the US
2010 GTI is the sixth generation of the famous “hot hatchback”
What’s new? Fully redesigned in and out.

OUTSIDE

New front end with aggressive headlights and wider grille with famous GTI red stripe/badge
New side profile with more subtle side skirts and no door moldings
New taillights with smoked brake lenses
New rear bumper with blacked diffuser and chrome-tipped dual exhaust

INSIDE

Full sport seats covered in plaid patterned sport fabric, or optional leather
Leather wrapped flat bottom steering wheel with red stitching and aluminum trim
New gauges with chrome trim and a multi function digital display
8 speaker stereo system with AM FM Sirius Satellite and 6 disc cd changer
Optional touch screen navigation system with hard and drive and more, also available

ENGINE: Volkswagen’s 2.0 liter, turbocharged and intercooled four cylinder gasoline engine delivers 200 horsepower, and a total of 207 pounds-feet of torque

Price: Starts at $23,290.

Here are some pictures from the launch: