Volkswagen Polo Wins World Car of the Year-Award

Second victory in a row for the Volkswagen brand

BOTANY, AUSTRALIA – April 6, 2010: At the New York International Auto Show in Manhattan on 1st April 2010 the Volkswagen Polo was declared the 2010 World Car of the Year.

Merit, value, safety, environment, significance and emotional appeal are the criteria for the World Car of the Year. Already in 2009, a Volkswagen model ranked the highest: the Golf. This year the top three contenders for World Car of the Year title were, in alphabetical order, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Toyota Prius and the Volkswagen Polo.

"We're honoured that the Volkswagen Polo was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors," said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. "After the great triumph of the Golf last year, we are delighted to repeat this success with the new Polo. These automobiles have reaped numerous awards, winning wellnigh every prize the automotive industry has to award. This shows Volkswagen is on the right track and is offering arguably the best range of products in its history."

The award was received in New York City on Thursday morning by Walter de Silva, head of design Volkswagen Group. “The new Volkswagen Polo generation fascinates both ways - by its uncomplicated, unique and timeless design plus its high efficiency. Already more than 230,000 customers worldwide placed their orders."

The new Polo will go on-sale in Australia on 8th May 2010.

Now in their seventh year, the annual World Car awards have become one of the world’s most prestigious, credible and significant programs of its kind. The majority of the 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries throughout the world chose the Polo from 30 entries. Each juror drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their on-going full-time professional work. Through their respective outlets they collectively reach an audience of many millions worldwide.