Cannes Lions names Volkswagen as Advertiser of the Year

Cannes Lions will be honouring Volkswagen with the Advertiser of the Year Award. This award is presented to advertisers who have distinguished themselves for inspiring innovative marketing of their products and who embrace and encourage the creative work produced by their agencies.

After winning their first Cannes Lion back in 1961, Volkswagen ads have gone on to win nearly 150 Lions across all disciplines, including 2 Film Grand Prix, the first in the cinema category back in 1970 followed by the Launch II commercial in 1988; 2 Press Grand Prix, one in 1998 for a Beetle campaign and the other in 2004 for the Polo Cops ad; a Promo Grand Prix in 2006 and a Cyber Grand Prix, in the interactive category, also in 2006 for the GTI campaign.

Speaking about the award, Terry Savage, Festival chairman said, "We are delighted to honour a brand that has loyally supported, and that continues to embrace the creative marketing of its cars throughout the decades allowing its agencies to produce numerous powerful and award winning ads over the years. Volkswagen are a role model to other brands and worthy of this prestigious honour."

Said Jochen Sengpiehl (pictured), senior vice president Volkswagen marketing, "It's our aim to become the leading car manufacturer in the world based on our strategic brand framework and clear brand guidelines including our claim "Das Auto". Creative and innovative marketing solutions are part of our DNA and advertising is the key since many years. Continuous and trustful agency relationships like DDB worldwide, BBDO Almap and others are important to realise outstanding work in difficult times."

The Advertiser of the Year trophy will be presented to Jochen Sengpiehl in Cannes during the Film, Titanium and Integrated Lions Awards Ceremony on Saturday 27 June 2009.