Wolfgang Bernhard presents Pope Benedict XVI with two ambulances for the Vatican and Africa

Volkswagen Group supports World Youth Day with 100 vehicles Cologne/Wolfsburg/Rome 24. 8. 2005 (PROTEXT) - Two speciallyequipped ambulances were presented to Pope Benedict XVI inCologne today by the Chairman of the VW brand Board ofManagement, Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard. The special vehicles werehanded over at the Archbishops Residence in Cologne during theWorld Youth Day. The first vehicle is to be deployed in Rome asthe Vaticans official ambulance, while the second is to be usedat a Catholic mission in Africa. Volkswagen is supporting the XX World Youth Day with 100 Groupvehicles to transport guests and organizers. In total, some onemillion visitors are expected in Cologne. We are delighted to be supporting an important event such asthe World Youth Day, said Bernhard. The young people comingtogether in Cologne are our future. The message of tolerance,optimism and understanding among nations they are sending allover the world comes from Germany this year, in many ways avaluable sign in itself. Given the existing extensive fleet, Pope Benedict XVI abstainedfrom commissioning further Papamobil vehicles. Volkswagen was,however, pleased to act on a request from the Vatican to buildtwo ambulances instead. It is meaningful to offer assistancewhere it is needed, said Bernhard. The ambulances are LT 35 high roof panel vans manufactured byVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles and powered by 158 bhp, 2.8 ldiesel engines. The vehicles have been equipped to the Vaticansown specification and include extensive medical apparatus. Photos: Photos documenting the presentation of the vehicles areavailable from 6.00 p.m. today at www.volkswagen-media-services.com and http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?firmaid=9260&keygroup=bild. Volkswagen Group Communications Corporate CommunicationsContact: Thomas Mickeleit Phone: +49 53 61 / 9-8 76 04Fax: +49 53 61 / 9-7 94 44 E-mail:thomas.mickeleit@volkswagen.de www.volkswagen-media-services.com Volkswagen Group Communications Corporate Communications/HumanResources Contact: Stefan Ohletz Phone: +49 53 61 / 9-379 06 Fax: +49 53 61 / 9-7 96 62 E-mail:stefan.ohletz@volkswagen.de www.volkswagen-media-services.com

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