Our New Home

As part of the grand opening celebration, Volkswagen Group executives cut a ceremonial ribbon. Left to right, Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice President, Audi of America; Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of AUDI AG; Professor Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group; Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine; and Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.

Relocating and Refocusing
2008 will be a momentous year for Volkswagen Group of America. In 2007 we made the decision to move our corporate headquarters from Auburn Hills, Michigan to Herndon, Virginia.

This decision is a key strategic element in our objective of dramatically increasing our U.S. sales. Stefan Jacoby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen Group of America, said, "With these changes, we drive the future. They reflect a major new commitment to achieving our Company's goals in the world's largest car market. We are excited about moving our headquarters to Northern Virginia, where we will be closer to key markets and customers."

While we will maintain a solid presence in Auburn Hills with certain key business activities and a workforce of approximately 600 people, we believe the relocation, and corresponding new business strategy, will help us increase competitiveness and sharpen our focus on key markets in the U.S.

Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of Volkswagen AG, added, "We are strongly focused on the U.S. market. This is a top priority for our Company, and we are confident that under Stefan's leadership, we will continue to serve our current U.S. customers well and add many new customers."

And we are pleased that Virginians are equally enthusiastic about our move. Governor Timothy Kaine said, "Volkswagen's decision for Virginia is a strong affirmation of the Commonwealth's business-friendly environment, location, market access and infrastructure."

"This move and new corporate strategy will benefit our employees, our dealers, and our customers. Market conditions and business strategy 30 years ago dictated we move to Michigan; today they dictate we move to Virginia," said Jacoby.

Volkswagen Group of America is proud to strengthen its commitment to the U.S., and inspired by the idea that we are making our corporate home in Virginia, the "Old Dominion," the same soil where the United States has its deepest roots.

For a similar rationale Bentley's North American headquarters will be relocated to Boston, Massachusetts in Spring 2008. As part of a strategic realignment of its regional operations the Bentley team decided that an East Coast location provides the brand with an even sharper focus on its key market and customers and increased cooperation with its central operations in Crewe, England.

Commenting on the changes Stuart McCullough, Member of the Board, Sales & Marketing for Bentley said, "The U.S. is our biggest market by a considerable margin and we are making these changes now to ensure our long-term viability and success in North America. This move will allow Bentley to stake out its future in a concerted and defined manner, led by our new leadership team of Geoff Dowding and Christophe Georges."

The Bentley team is expected to move into its new offices in Boston's "Back Bay" district in Spring 2008 with the company continuing to leverage a number of key services from Volkswagen Group of America following both brands' moves.

Volkswagen Group of America officially opened their new U.S. Headquarters in Herndon, Virginia with a Grand Opening event on September 18, 2008.