VOLKSWAGEN JETTA AND GTI RECEIVE J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES APEALSM AWARDS


- Passat, Rabbit and Eos also showed strong performances

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that the Jetta and the GTI have each captured a J.D. Power and Associates APEAL award for 2007.  J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study measures owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles.

“These awards and our overall rankings show that Volkswagen builds compelling, quality vehicles that our customers love to drive,” said Adrian Hallmark, executive vice president, Volkswagen of America.  “Our vehicles strike a strong emotional chord with owners.”

The Jetta was top-ranked vehicle in the compact car segment, followed by the all-new Rabbit, which ranked second.  In the compact sporty car segment, the redesigned GTI garnered the top place with the all-new EOS ranking third.  Additionally, the redesigned Passat came in a close second in the competitive midsize car segment.

According to the study, new or redesigned products with a high APEAL score generally command a higher gross profit and sell more quickly.

The 2007 APEAL Study is based on responses gathered between February and May 2007 from more than 91,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2007 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.