Volkswagen Group Australia has announced the winner of the 2008 Volkswagen Dealer of the Year Awards at a gala event in Melbourne.

Ms Jutta Dierks, Volkswagen Group Australia’s Managing Director, proudly presented the National Dealer of the Year Award to Mr Lou Papile, Dealer Principal of Burwin Volkswagen, Victoria.

"This award is a special opportunity to recognise the achievements of our dealers who have delivered exceptional service in all areas of their business," said Ms Dierks.

"I would like to congratulate all the winners, but also take this opportunity to thank every dealer and all of the dealership staff for their hard work during 2008. You have been instrumental in growing the Volkswagen brand in Australia and achieving significant growth year after year."

In total, there were six award presentations, including the inaugural ‘Commercial Vehicle Dealer of the Year’ award, which was presented to Peninsula Volkswagen, Victoria, by Volkswagen Group Australia’s Director of Commercial Vehicles, Mr Phil Clark.

The winning dealers were:

Southern Region Dealer of the Year – Burwin Volkswagen, VIC
Central Region Dealer of the Year – Barloworld Volkswagen Mascot, NSW
Northern Region Dealer of the Year – Ian Boettcher Volkswagen, QLD
Rural Dealer of the Year – Wodonga Prestige, VIC
Commercial Vehicle Dealer of the Year – Peninsula Volkswagen, VIC