Volkswagen Creates Life-Size Pink New Beetle Convertible for Barbie(R) 50th Birthday

Volkswagen Helps Barbie(R) Celebrate Fifty Years with a Customized New Beetle convertible, Fully Equipped with Rhinestones, Sparkling Pink Paint and Motorized Vanity in Trunk

HERNDON, Va., March 10 /PRNewswire/ — Volkswagen of America, Inc. helped Mattel celebrate Barbie(R) doll’s 50th Birthday by transforming a New Beetle convertible into the ultimate Barbie(R) dream car. The life-size pink Malibu Barbie(TM) New Beetle convertible made its debut at Barbie(R) doll’s Malibu Dream House(R) exclusive birthday celebration. Customization artists ABD Racing Werks, Katzkin Leather and Interiors and FoamMolders fully transformed the iconic New Beetle convertible into the perfect Barbie(R) ride.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090310/DE81419)

“We are extremely proud to partner with Mattel and create a customized New Beetle convertible to celebrate Barbie’s landmark birthday,” said Laura Soave, General Manager of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Like the New Beetle, Barbie has made a remarkable impact on pop culture history, and still remains a cultural icon today.”

From top to bottom and interior to exterior, Barbie(R) doll’s New Beetle convertible has left no detail unfinished. From the white custom leather interior and convertible top to the hand stitched floor mats and pink quilted leather lined door pockets and arm rests, even the dipstick is painted to resemble her favorite lipstick. The New Beetle convertible is equipped with a motorized vanity in the trunk and plenty of rhinestone accents and vanity mirrors. Over five shades of paint were mixed together to create the perfect pink color for Barbie(R) doll’s car.

The customized pink New Beetle convertible was prominently on display as the pink carpet was rolled out for the Barbie(R) celebration at her real-life Malibu Dream House(R). Barbie(R) doll’s house is a 3,500-square-foot home in Malibu, CA, decorated by famed “Happy Chic” interior designer Jonathan Adler. The Barbie(R) birthday festivities were complete with 1,800 pairs of Barbie(R) sunglasses, 3,500 pairs of tiny shoes, 3,500 mini handbags and numerous Hollywood celebrity guests.

Last year, Volkswagen celebrated the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the New Beetle convertible. With its distinct shape, the iconic New Beetle convertible is one of the most recognized models in the world.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. 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, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Eos, Passat, Passat wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg 2 and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.

MATTEL, BARBIE and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel, Inc. (C) 2009 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SOURCE Volkswagen of America, Inc.