Kona, Hawaii, October 5, 2011 ̶ Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today announced an exclusive sponsorship of two-time USA Triathlon National Champion and Ironman National Champion, 28 year-old Ben Hoffman. Already a long-time advocate and supporter of running and cycling events, this sponsorship marks the kick off of the partnership between Volkswagen and the triathlon community.
Hoffman, who lives and trains in Boulder, Colo., makes his official debut as a Volkswagen-sponsored athlete on October 8, when he will push his physical strength and endurance to new limits—while sporting a Volkswagen-branded uniform—at the 2011 world championship in Kona, Hawaii.
“I am looking forward to the competition in Kona and am honored to be racing against the greatest athletes in the world,” said Hoffman. “I am also grateful to have a performance-driven supporter like Volkswagen, which not only has deep roots in the athletic world, but understands what it takes to be the best at its craft.”
While still in college, Hoffman won the 2006 USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championship, and upon turning professional in 2007, he enjoyed early success winning the 2007 USA Triathlon Elite Long Course National Championship. In addition to owning the title of Ironman National Champion, Hoffman has multiple Ironman 70.3 wins.
“Ben is one of the most sophisticated and performance-oriented triathletes out there today, and is someone that the Volkswagen brand can relate to,” said Tim Mahoney, executive vice president and chief product and marketing officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Our highly-engineered vehicles speak to the quality and performance of our brand and Hoffman’s drive to become the top-performing athlete embodies the Volkswagen ethos.”
As part of his endorsement, Hoffman will promote the partnership with Volkswagen on his personal social networks and website, and will be outfitted in performance uniforms that carry Volkswagen branding. He’ll also be featured in select advertising and collateral, and will make appearances at events related to and outside of the triathlon community on behalf of Volkswagen.
In building its efforts to engage the triathlon space, Volkswagen is also launching an ambassador program with Active.com®, a media property of The Active Network, Inc. (NYSE: ACTV), and the leading online community that connects people with the activities they love to do. Volkswagen has already recruited 50 Volkswagen owners to become brand ambassadors and have their stories featured online and through Active.com. Hoffman will be serving as lead ambassador.
About 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 Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2012 Volkswagen models come standard-equipped with Electronic Stability Control. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.