AJAX, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 3, 2009) - Volkswagen
Canada announced today that it is confirming its advertising agency of record
for Canada – a partnership between its existing agency, PALM+HAVAS, and Red
Urban, an Omnicom Group agency.
In this capacity, PALM+HAVAS in partnership with
Red Urban, will leverage its existing relationship with Volkswagen Canada
dating back to 1995 with the global reach of Omnicom's work in association with
the Volkswagen brand worldwide.
"As a
result of our desire to realize benefits from increased global synergies
with our parent company, Volkswagen AG, and to maintain our long-standing and
successful relationship with PALM, we are pleased to announce the appointment
of a new agency partnership," announced Bruce Rosen, Director, Marketing and
Communications for Volkswagen Canada. "This partnership will allow us to grow
our sales and the Volkswagen business in Canada as we move towards our intended
goal of worldwide sales leadership for our brand. It provides us with direct
access to Volkswagen's newest creative work worldwide and ensures that we will
continue to build on the great work done by PALM both in Quebec and across
Canada. It is the best of both worlds for us."
"Volkswagen
Canada had the opportunity to go with any number of creative agencies, but the
fact that they chose to keep their business with us so that we can be part of
their future growth plans is meaningful", said Ann Bouthillier, President
and CEO of PALM+HAVAS. "We have been part of their success
for nearly 15 years, and look forward to being part of it for many more."
"Volkswagen has some of
the strongest, most iconic brand DNA in global marketing today," says Peter
Housley, President and CEO, Red Urban, Toronto. "For a new agency like Red
Urban, having the opportunity to partner with Volkswagen is a dream come true.
I look forward to working closely with PALM+HAVAS and developing robust, new
creative brand approaches for Volkswagen."
When asked about this
innovative partnership, Bruce Rosen replied: "This new and unprecedented
strategic partnership will complement each agency's strengths of strong vision
and creativity in providing real-world marketing solutions for Volkswagen
Canada." Red Urban will develop Volkswagen's overall national brand messaging
and image across Canada while PALM+HAVAS will concentrate its strengths on
national tactical marketing and sponsorship activities. Both will work together
to maximize the activation of local marketing and experiential activities
focused on Volkswagen customers and intenders.
Given PALM+HAVAS's
current association with Volkswagen Canada, the transition will proceed
seamlessly as Red Urban comes on-board. PALM+HAVAS remains as Volkswagen
Canada's agency of record for all CRM activities, and MBS, Volkswagen Canada's
media placement agency based in Toronto, Ontario, will continue in its current
relationship, as well.
About Volkswagen Canada:
Founded in
1952, Volkswagen Canada is headquartered in Ajax, Ontario. It is the leader in
affordable TDI Clean Diesel vehicle sales in Canada and forms part of
Volkswagen Group Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG headquartered in
Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of
passenger cars and is Europe's largest automaker.
Volkswagen sells the City Golf, Golf, Golf Wagon, Golf GTI, Jetta,
New Beetle, Eos, Passat, Tiguan, Routan, and Touareg models through 130
independent Canadian Dealers.
Visit Volkswagen Canada online at www.vw.ca, and explore its BlueMotionTechnologies at www.TDICurious.ca.