(September 28, 2011) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America today announced it will open a fifth regional sales office in the Dallas metropolitan area "to further strengthen the company's relationships with customers and dealers." 

As a vital part of Volkswagen's long-term commitment to the U.S. market, the expansion will help facilitate future growth and employment opportunities, while better serving the needs of its retail network in key markets.

Volkswagen's year-to-date sales are up 20.7 percent following seven straight months of double-digit sales growth, underscoring the need for an additional sales region. The Dallas office, to be designated as the "South Central Region," will support approximately 96 dealers in 16 states, including Texas.  Volkswagen expects the office to create more than 20 new jobs in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

"As Volkswagen's sales continue to climb following the official opening of our new U.S. plant in Chattanooga, and as our vehicle line-up expands with the launch of new products like the 2012 Passat and Beetle, it is imperative that we maintain a strong connection with our customers and dealer body," said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc.

"The investment in the new South Central Region will help ensure that we continue to equip our dealers with the necessary tools to provide the highest levels of quality and service to our growing customer base."

Volkswagen appointed industry veteran Joe Vignone as its new regional director to lead the company's South Central Region, reporting to Frank Trivieri, Volkswagen's vice president of Sales.

The South Central Regional office is scheduled to open in January.