Volkswagen and Fender Put the Concert in the Car for 2012 Models

December 9, 2010

Herndon, VA - Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today it has joined forces with Fender Musical Instruments Corp. to bring the raw emotion of a live music performance to the driving experience. The company's partnership with Fender will equip select 2012 models with the all-new Fender Premium Audio System.

"The best seat in the house is now behind the wheel of a Volkswagen," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "Our two iconic companies - one with a passion for driving, one with a passion for music - are joining forces to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience."

The new Jetta GLI will be the first Volkswagen model in dealerships this spring featuring the all-new Fender Premium Audio System, developed exclusively for the Volkswagen brand. It will be available in all other Jetta's later, and will be available in the new 2012 Passat and 2012 Beetle in the fall.

To develop the best possible audio system for Volkswagen, Fender formed a partnership with Panasonic that combined Fender's 64 years of expertise in sound and sound amplification with Panasonic's 68 years of experience with mobile audio systems.

The Fender Premium Audio System in 2012 Volkswagen models is embedded in the vehicle design. Three years of research, development and tuning in a new, state-of-the-art sound lab, resulted in a nine-speaker system that delivers uncompromised clarity, regardless of volume, with a unique sound that Americans will love.

The design features lower inter-modulation distortion and smooth mid-range response to eliminate harshness. It is harmonically complex, with extended range tweeters and properly voiced 16cm speakers revealing original instrumentation timbre and harmonic richness.