HERNDON, VA – In support of the government-funded "Cash for Clunkers" program, Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced it will provide either $3,500 or $4,500 off the purchase price of a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle for consumers who trade in an older, less efficient vehicle.

A vehicle in each of Volkswagen's 2009 model lineup meets the qualifications for participation in the government sponsored program. In order to qualify, eligible new vehicles must achieve at least 22 miles-per-gallon (mpg) for automobiles, and at least 18 mpg for small light-duty trucks and SUVs, and trade-in vehicles must achieve 18 mpg or less.

"Volkswagen of America supports this historic decision of the United States Government to enact the Cash for Clunkers program," said Stefan Jacoby, president/CEO, Volkswagen of America, in a company statement. "The fact that Volkswagen has long been known for producing fun-to-drive, fuel efficient vehicles, combined with our eight Top Safety Pick rated vehicles by the IIHS, should put Volkswagen on any new car buyers shopping list."

Volkswagen currently has ten models SmartWay-certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): the 2009 Rabbit, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Passat, Passat Wagon, Eos, and CC are all SmartWay-certified.