New Delhi, 6th January, 2010: The Volkswagen Group India was the most successful auto manufacturer at the first ever Auto Bild India Golden Steering Wheel Awards 2010 held in New Delhi a day before yesterday. The Group has won awards in 5 categories out of the 14 announced making it the recipient of the highest number of awards at the ceremony.

The Audi Q5 won ‘Best Import SUV of the Year’ and the Audi R8 was awarded the ‘Best Import Sports Car of the Year’.

Skoda bagged two awards in the ‘Special Category Variant’ and ‘Best Sedan of the Year’ for the Skoda Laura and Skoda Superb respectively.

Volkswagen India took away another esteemed award of the evening for the category - ‘Automotive Company of the Year’.

Expressing his elation on receiving the award, Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group said, “I feel very proud having achieved such success for our group. I am elated to have received recognition at such a grand event by one of the most reputed motor magazines, Auto Bild.”

Expressing joy on the success of the Volkswagen Group, Mr. Joerg Mueller, President and Managing Director Volkswagen Group India said, ”This award is another feather in our cap, however, we would not want to rest on our laurels. Rather this gives us additional motivation to work harder to grow in the right direction in India“

The Golden Steering Wheel is recognized as the most important annual award for cars in Europe instituted by Auto Bild magazine, which is published across 30 countries. In its Indian edition, the award will acknowledge cars from different segments as well as leading technologies and companies. The elite jury panelist consists of most respected people from the auto sector which include senior engineers, racers from the motorsports world, celebrities, auto enthusiasts and the Auto Bild team.