VW models lead the way in 2008 torch relay

FAW-VW, the top-selling carmaker in China, will showcase its special edition Magotan and Sagitar sedans - convoy vehicles in the Olympic torch relay - at the 10th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition that begins in Beijing today.

Through April 28 FAW-VW will have a high profile in Hall W3 of the new China International Exhibition Center with its huge lineup of new car models on display.

Supplying vehicles with the mission to support the torch relay is part of FAW-VW's partnership package as a sponsor of the 2008 Olympic Games.

FAW-VW was formally named the auto supplier for the torch relay on February 28, then assembled a fleet of 105 Magotans and 65 Sagitars for the relay itself and an additional 300 vehicles to support the journey.

Because of their advanced technology and performance, the Magotan and Sagitar have also served in a variety of other Olympic activities:

In August 2007, the Magotan and Sagitar were both selected to support the shooting of the official movie for the Beijing Olympic Games.

In September 2007, the Sagitar was named the service vehicle for the "Fuwa Love Delivery", a massive promotional tour to convey Olympic knowledge and spirit to the children in underdeveloped mountainous regions using the familiar Olympic mascots.

In December last year, the two models were chosen as official vehicles for the finals of the International Table Tennis Federation professional tour, as part of the extensive "Good Luck Beijing Sports Events" campaign held prior to the Games.

In order to ensure the quality of the convoy vehicles, FAW-VW set a series of strict requirements for the entire manufacturing process. The convoy fleet has also been rigorously tested on simulated road conditions replicating routes of the torch relay.

About 20,000 torch bearers will take part in the relay in China, covering more than 40,000 km across 113 cities and regions. It will be the longest, largest in participants and widest in area covered in the history of the Olympic Games.

FAW-VW will also provide 40 service vehicles with 80 experienced technicians to accompany the torch relay.

With gratitude to the citizens and government whose support have contributed to FAW-VW's success, the automaker will give its full effort to assist the relay and show its worth as an Olympic partner, said FAW-VW President An Tiecheng.

The Magotan and Sagitar convoy vehicles made by FAW-VW now on display at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition will soon be in action and seen worldwide as they run side by side with the Olympic flame.

(China Daily 04/18/2008 page27)