The new Volkswagen Golf has been selected as one of three finalists for the 2009 World Car of the Year title. A jury comprised of fifty-nine international automotive journalists from twenty-five countries around the world chose this year's three finalists. The World Car of the Year will be named April 9th at a news conference during the New York International Auto Show.

"It is a tremendous honor for Volkswagen to have its global best selling model, the Golf, nominated as a finalist for World Car of the Year," said Stefan Jacoby, President/CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "This is a great way to kick-off the new Golf here in America. We're excited for the arrival of the sixth generation Golf, which will be in Volkswagen showrooms later this year. Simply put, we believe this is the best Golf ever."

The Golf, a perennial favorite in the Volkswagen line-up, has sold more than 26 million units in 120 countries, making it one of the top selling vehicles of all-time. The new sixth generation Golf first debuted at the Paris Motor show last fall, and will make its U.S. debut at this year's New York International Auto Show.   The Golf has been designed to be quieter, sportier, fuel efficient, present a clean, distinctive appearance, and — staying true to Volkswagen — fun-to-drive.

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The new Golf embodies Volkswagen's product strategy aimed to sharpen the brand design in all classes and apply greater global consistency among model names, steps intended to leverage the offerings of the world's third largest automaker as it looks to increase sales and market share. The 2010 Golf will be available in dealer showrooms across the U.S. this fall in gasoline and TDI versions.

In 2009 the Volkswagen Group will launch some 60 new models, product enhancements and successors in markets worldwide. The Group will direct its resources to continue to add innovative and environmentally friendly vehicles to its lineup, while further looking for ways to build its brand across geographic boundaries.