2009-11-03 23:13:01 -

AJAX, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 11/03/09 -- Volkswagen Canada announced today that it is confirming its advertising agency of record for Canada - a partnership between its existing agency, PALM+HAVAS, and Red Urban, an Omnicom Group agency.



In this capacity, PALM+HAVAS in partnership with Red Urban, will leverage its existing relationship with Volkswagen Canada dating back to 1995 with the global reach of Omnicom's work in association with the Volkswagen brand worldwide.



"As a result of our desire to realize benefits from increased global synergies with our parent company, Volkswagen AG, and to maintain our long-standing and successful relationship with PALM, we are pleased to announce the appointment of a new agency partnership," announced Bruce Rosen, Director, Marketing and Communications for Volkswagen Canada. "This partnership will allow us to grow our sales and the Volkswagen business in Canada as we move towards our intended goal of worldwide sales leadership for our brand. It provides us with direct access to Volkswagen's newest creative work worldwide and ensures that we will continue to build on the great work done by PALM both in Quebec and across Canada. It is the best of both worlds for us."



"Volkswagen Canada had the opportunity to go with any number of creative agencies, but the fact that they chose to keep their business with us so that we can be part of their future growth plans is meaningful", said Ann Bouthillier, President and CEO of PALM+HAVAS. "We have been part of their success for nearly 15 years, and look forward to being part of it for many more."



"Volkswagen has some of the strongest, most iconic brand DNA in global marketing today," says Peter Housley, President and CEO, Red Urban, Toronto. "For a new agency like Red Urban, having the opportunity to partner with Volkswagen is a dream come true. I look forward to working closely with PALM+HAVAS and developing robust, new creative brand approaches for Volkswagen."



When asked about this innovative partnership, Bruce Rosen replied: "This new and unprecedented strategic partnership will complement each agency's strengths of strong vision and creativity in providing real-world marketing solutions for Volkswagen Canada." Red Urban will develop Volkswagen's overall national brand messaging and image across Canada while PALM+HAVAS will concentrate its strengths on national tactical marketing and sponsorship activities. Both will work together to maximize the activation of local marketing and experiential activities focused on Volkswagen customers and intenders.



Given PALM+HAVAS's current association with Volkswagen Canada, the transition will proceed seamlessly as Red Urban comes on-board. PALM+HAVAS remains as Volkswagen Canada's agency of record for all CRM activities, and MBS, Volkswagen Canada's media placement agency based in Toronto, Ontario, will continue in its current relationship, as well.



About Volkswagen Canada:



Founded in 1952, Volkswagen Canada is headquartered in Ajax, Ontario. It is the leader in affordable TDI Clean Diesel vehicle sales in Canada and forms part of Volkswagen Group Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and is Europe's largest automaker.



Volkswagen sells the City Golf, Golf, Golf Wagon, Golf GTI, Jetta, New Beetle, Eos, Passat, Tiguan, Routan, and Touareg models through 130 independent Canadian Dealers.



Visit Volkswagen Canada online at www.vw.ca : , and explore its BlueMotionTechnologies at www.TDICurious.ca : .

Contacts:
Volkswagen Canada
Bruce Rosen
(905) 428-5889
Bruce.Rosen@vw.ca :