VW Sponsors 2008 Summer Olympic Games

Volkswagen has signed on to be the official vehicle of the 2009 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. This includes sending a fleet of Audis, Volkswagens and Skodas for the committees. Visiting groups may not be able to breathe in Beijing from all the pollution, but at least they'll be rolling in Teutonic style. Here's the official PR:

More than 10,000 athletes from more than 200 countries will be competing in the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing from 8-24 August, 2008. Athletes will be competing for gold, silver and bronze in 28 disciplines. Volkswagen is supporting the Organisation Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing (BOCOG) as national main sponsor.

As exclusive automobile partner, the Volkswagen Group will be providing the Organisation Committee with a fleet of about 6,000 vehicles. It consists of 4,350 Volkswagens, 650 Skodas and 1,000 Audi-brand cars.

The company in Wolfsburg will be presenting itself during the Olympic Games with a showcase on the Olympic grounds. Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda will each present two models in the 2,000 square-metre-large pavilion under the mottos "Present and Future" (Volkswagen), "Past and Present" (Audi) and "Past and Future" (Skoda).

Volkswagen will be making a further contribution with its support of the international torch relay. An extensive fleet of vehicles will accompany the torch bearers along the legs through Greece and China. Volkswagen is involved world-wide as sponsor of the National Olympic Committees in Algeria, Greece, Ireland, Croatia, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Slovania.

For the first time in history of the Olympic Games, this mega sports event is being held in the People's Republic of China. Four million visitors are expected. Participation as a national main sponsor is an important component in the Volkswagen Group's strategy for successful involvement Asia's most important car market.