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HERNDON, Va., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that former D.C. United Captain John Harkes, and Washington Wizards' Center JaVale McGee will be signing autographs at the Volkswagen exhibit during the Washington D.C. Auto Show this Saturday, February 7, 2009. Volkswagen is the presenting partner of D.C. United and the official automobile of the Washington Wizards and Verizon Center.

A member of D.C. United from 1996 to 1998, Harkes was a central figure in some of the club's most successful years. He played a significant role in the club's back-to-back championships in 1996 and 1997. Harkes will be signing autographs at the Volkswagen display from 12-1:30 p.m. this Saturday. Talon, the team's mascot will also be accompanying Harkes to the D.C. Auto Show, and the 1996 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Trophy will also be on display.

Washington Wizards' Center JaVale McGee will also be signing autographs at the Volkswagen exhibit during the D.C. Auto Show. He will be in attendance from 7-8:00 p.m. on Saturday. McGee signed with the Washington Wizards on July 9, 2008, and has been averaging over 8 points per game. Joining McGee to the Volkswagen exhibit on Saturday will be members of the Wizard Girls from 6- 8:00 p.m. along with the team's mascot from 6-8:00 p.m.

Volkswagen will proudly display their 2009 product line-up as well as a unique mid-engine diesel powered two-seater Roadster concept called Concept BlueSport at the Washington D.C. Auto Show. The 2009 product lineup showcases the five new product offerings that Volkswagen launched last year, including the Jetta SportWagen, Tiguan, Routan, CC and the all-new 50-state compliant clean diesel Jetta and Jetta SportWagen TDI's. Also on display will be the 2009 Eos, Rabbit, GTI, Passat, Passat Wagon, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, and Jetta. A Jetta TDI from the inaugural Jetta TDI Cup Series will also be on display. Visitors are also encouraged to come meet "Max" the 1964 black Beetle that is the new spokesperson for the brand 's Das Auto campaign.

Tickets to the Auto Show are available online at http://www.washingtonautoshow.com . Further information is available on the website and by calling (866) WASH-AUTO or (202) 237-7200.

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 Eos, Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, 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 http://www.vw.com or http://www.media.vw.com to learn more.