20 finalists from across the region competed this weekend to represent the Middle East in California at the 'Think Blue. World Championship'

Dubai, UAE, 29 March 2015

Volkswagen Middle East held a successful 'Think Blue.' challenge this weekend, with the regional final of 'Think Blue World Championship' taking place at 'The Change Initiative' in Dubai.

'Think Blue.' embodies the Volkswagen goal of creating environmentally friendly products and solutions, and encouraging the public to be more eco-conscious in everyday life to contribute to a sustainable future.

Volkswagen Middle East launched the 'Think Blue. World Championship' competition via its regional Facebook page and encouraged followers across the Middle East to compete in a digital race quiz.

The 20 participants selected from the online questionnaire results competed today at the regional final in Dubai, where their driving skills and knowledge were put to the test through a training session on fuel-efficient driving techniques, during which each participant was challenged to drive the new Volkswagen Touareg in the most environmentally-kind way possible.

Starting at The Change Initiative - a retail outlet offering sustainable living solutions for both consumers and corporations in the Middle East- the participants drove across a pre-determined route.  Each Touareg was fitted with a fuel-efficiency measuring device to analyze the driver performance and record fuel consumption, primarily based on acceleration and breaking of the vehicle.

Macnell Pinto, a 22-year-old Indian national, successfully secured his spot as the competition's finalist, achieving a spot in the global championships in California.

Thomas Milz, Managing Director, Volkswagen Middle East said, "Practicing and promoting ecological sustainability goes beyond simply creating efficient cars - it is an educational process and our 'Think Blue' initiative, 'Think Blue. World Championship', aims to encourage drivers to drive more efficiently and reduce the impact of vehicle emissions on the environment by educating them in an engaging way.

"I would like to congratulate all participants in the 'Think Blue. World Championship' regional heat for making it through to the regional final, with a special acknowledgement to the winner, Macnell. I wish him all the very best for his journey to the world championship final in California," added Milz.

The 'Think Blue. World Championship.' final, which will be held in California in November this year, with the participant who has the lowest fuel-consumption and the displays the strongest knowledge of fuel-efficiency in the general test crowned the winner.

-Ends-

For more information on the 'Think Blue. World Championship', please visit:

www.facebook.com/VolkswagenMiddleEast

About Think Blue.
Volkswagen Middle East in late 2011 announced its 'Think Blue.' campaign to be launched shortly in the Middle East. 'Think Blue.' embodies the Volkswagen goal of creating environmentally friendly products and solutions, encouraging the public to be more eco-conscious and contribute to a sustainable future. 'Think Blue.' is a concept that encourages being more responsible on the road, and more environmentally conscious in everyday life. Volkswagen Middle East also participated in the Asia Pacific Natural Gas Vehicle Associates (ANGVA) Green Highway 2011 event held in Dubai. The Green Highway project is dedicated to raising awareness for the importance of fulfilling the vision of making natural gas and energy efficient cars available. As part of a wider 'Think Blue.' campaign, in 2012 Volkswagen Middle East partnered with Siemens and Rotana in a series of environmental CSR events. Through its 'Clean the Beach' and 'Clean the Desert' events approximately 200 people volunteered and collected one ton of rubbish from the natural habits which went on to be recycled.

For more information contact:
Michelle Hogan
Public Relations Manager
Volkswagen Middle East
Tel: +971 4 293 6773  
E-mail: michelle.hogan@volkswagen.avme.ae

Helen Pickerill
Grayling      
Account Director
Tel: +971 4 390 1630
E-mail: helen.pickerill@grayling.com

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© Press Release 2015