ITB production entices visitors into a feelgood oasis / "atmosphere" to arouse curiosity in Autostadt

Berlin (PROTEXT/ots) - For anyone who hasn't yet been toAutostadt, a visit to the ITB (an international tourism fair) inBerlin will be enough to arouse interest in the Wolfsburg-basedexperience and competence centre of the Volkswagen group:Autostadt, with its production "atmosphere" taking up around 300square metres of hall 5.2a (stand 02), is here to market itselfas an exciting destination. In fact, with its comprehensiverange of experiences centred around the theme of mobility andits high levels of service and performance, Autostadt hasestablished itself as a firm favourite with tourists in Germanyin less than two years. As of March 2002, Autostadt hadattracted over 3.9 million people since its opening on 1st June2000. That makes it Germany's second most popular theme park interms of visitor numbers.

"atmosphere" acts as a metaphor for Autostadt: rather thanreconstruct the actual park, it awakens the desire to come andvisit. When they enter the "atmosphere" of Autostadt, ITBvisitors can unwind, recover from the hurly-burly of the tradefair, and - just like at Autostadt - simply feel good. On top ofthat, there's also a special culinary production: Autostadttreats fair-goers to new gastronomic delights every day. Such anindividual approach to presentation underlines Autostadt's focuson service and performance and purposely elevates it above theconventional.

"This presentation emphasises the service-based philosophy ofAutostadt - within an aesthetic environment, every visitorreceives a friendly welcome and service", says Dr. MariaSchneider, Creative Director of Autostadt with responsibilityfor the conception of "atmosphere".

During their visit, guests can also view a film aboutAutostadt, an eight-metre wide projection onto a fabricbackground.

The individual images in the film are multi-mirrored, like akaleidoscope. The film depicts the special qualities ofAutostadt as an abstraction, stripping away some of the mysteryof Autostadt. Looking through highly unusual DVD glasses,Autostadt then reveals every facet of its offers andattractions. "As a communication platform for the group, we areusing this production of 'atmosphere' to convey the qualities ofAutostadt at an elevated level and in surprising ways", explainsOtto Ferdinand Wachs, Managing Director of Autostadt. Accordingto Herr Wachs, the innovative standards of the Volkswagen groupare communicated by employing forward-looking technologies andmaterials as well as visionary creative concepts.

Viewed from the outside, it resembles an amorphous sculpturein white fabric: a kind of snapshot, a sense of motion captured.Slowly pulsating light projections, scents and three- dimensionalsoundscapes contribute to the special atmosphere. A holographic'infogirl' at the entrance informs visitors of probable waitingtimes. This is a communicative and interactive experience: As avisitor approaches the counter, the projection slowlymaterialises until the friendly virtual being greets the guestand engages them in conversation. Inside the central servicearea, an organically designed communications 'island' withtables and upholstered seating has been set up for more detaileddiscussions. The other important element of this area is thearched counter, laden with culinary specialities for"atmosphere" guests.

If you require further information or have any questions,please contact:

Silke Schumacher

Head of Press Office

Telephone: +49(0)5361-40-1421 Telefax: +49(0)5361-40-1419 Mobile: +49(0)160-7423235 silke.schumacher@autostadt.de or the Autostadt Press Hotline at ITB (16. March - 21. March2002): Telephone: +49(0)160-97289439 or contact the Autostadt Press Hotline (daily 9am - 7pm):Telephone: +49(0)5361-40-1444 We will be pleased to send you a comprehensive Autostadt presspack and pictorial material. http://www.autostadt.de

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