HERNDON, Va., Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. is announcing a sales stimulus package to promote the attractiveness of leasing a new Volkswagen.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081010/CLF034 )

The popular Sign-THEN-Drive sales promotion is returning, effective Friday, Oct. 10, as part of the package Volkswagen will waive the security deposit and make the first monthly payment for the customer. This offer is valid on thirteen of Volkswagen's most popular 2009 model year vehicles including: Rabbit, Jetta 2.5L, Jetta SportWagen 2.5L, GTI, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Eos, Passat, Passat Wagon, Tiguan, Touareg, Routan and the 2008 R32.

"We've brought back the successful Sign-THEN-Drive lease event to provide customers with an attractive lease option," said Mark Barnes, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "In these tough economic times, it's important for Volkswagen to take action to insure that we continue to maintain and grow our market share, take care of our dealers and provide great vehicles to our customers."

Additionally, there is a $500 loyalty offer to owners of MY99 or newer Volkswagens who purchase or lease one of the following models: New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Eos, GTI, Passat Sedan, Passat Wagon, Touareg, Tiguan, Routan and the 2008 R32.

"We've brought several great new models to the market this year, including the Routan, CC, Tiguan and the Jetta TDI and SportWagen," said Barnes. "This expansion in our model line-up combined with our quality and strong design and engineering has helped VW to maintain a stable position in the automotive market."

Volkswagen will be reaching out to customers directly to promote several new models in the marketplace including the Touareg, CC, and Routan minivan. Conquest customers of the Routan will receive an additional sales incentive.

As an additional customer incentive, all 2009 model year Volkswagens are included in the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. Under this program scheduled maintenance, as described in its maintenance booklet, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty-three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard equipment on all 2009 Volkswagen vehicles. As a result, Volkswagen is one of the only original equipment manufacturers to offer an electronic stability control system on its entire product line -- ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) deadline requiring vehicles in the 2012 model year to include stability control systems. Volkswagen's ESP technology works in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and helps reduce loss of control to avoid crashes.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen Group of America is headquartered in Herndon, Va. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, R32, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat Wagon, Eos, Routan, Tiguan, Touareg, CC and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

SOURCE Volkswagen of America, Inc.