VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA CONTINUES COMMITMENT TO SURFRIDER FOUNDATION

March 31, 2014 by Volkswagen

-Surfrider Foundation and Volkswagen's Think Blue. Campaign Encourage Promotion of Clean Water-

Herndon, VA, March 31, 2014 - Volkswagen of America, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has renewed its sponsorship of the Surfrider Foundation for a second year. Together, Volkswagen of America, Inc. and the Surfrider Foundation will continue to encourage individuals across the country to make positive changes in their lives to ensure our nation's oceans, waves, beaches and waterways are clean and healthy for future generations to come. The Foundation's Clean Water initiatives are in line with Volkswagen's successful Think Blue.® campaign.

As part of the commitment to the Surfrider Foundation's Clean Water initiatives, Volkswagen of America, Inc. has contributed more than $300,000 to the organization. This year's $100,000 contribution will continue to help fund Surfrider's Blue Water Task Force (BWTF), Know Your H2O and Ocean Friendly Gardens programs, all of which help to educate the public on improving water quality. Additionally, Volkswagen has provided the organization with a Jetta SportWagen TDI and a Touareg Hybrid as support vehicles, so they can be immediately identified at education, community and social events attended by The Surfrider Foundation.

'For Volkswagen, sustainability is a fundamental part of our brand, and we are committed to not only reducing our own environmental footprint through more fuel-efficient vehicles and eco-conscious operations, but also encouraging consumers to do so in their daily lives,' said Vinay Shahani, vice president marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. 'We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Surfrider Foundation and their mission to educate the public about environmental issues that affect our nation's coastline.'

'We are delighted to continue our partnership with Volkswagen, a relationship that is based on a shared passion for clean water and a relentless desire to move forward,' says Laura Lee, Surfrider Foundation's Director of Marketing and Communication. 'With Think Blue, Surfrider seeks to heighten public awareness and encourage action.'

Throughout the year, local chapters of the Surfrider Foundation will attend Volkswagen events to educate automotive fans about its Clean Water programs, campaigns and tools that are designed to combat the variety of sources of water pollution. One of the largest events will be the 10-year Anniversary of Surfrider's International Surfing Day on June 20, where Volkswagen owners will have the opportunity to participate in beach cleanups and other Surfrider Foundation activities.

Think Blue embodies Volkswagen's goal of creating products and solutions that encourage more eco-conscious behavior and contribute to a sustainable future. It's about being more responsible on the road and more environmentally conscious – not just in its cars, but everywhere, every day.