e.Digital Corporation (fka EDIG)

[Tenderloin]

Volkswagen, Apple team up in 'iPod Unite' promotion
By Peter Cohen [e-mail]
July 15, 2003 11:00 am ET
Apple and auto maker Volkswagen announced on Tuesday a new promotion called "iPod Unite." People who purchase a 2003 Volkswagen Beetle sedan can get a complimentary Apple iPod.

The promotion will be featured in television, radio and newspaper advertising through the end of September. Visitors to Volkswagen dealer showrooms will also find displays showing off the new iPod.

VW buyers who take advantage of the promotion will receive a 15GB iPod and a "connectivity kit." The combination is valued at about $600, according to a statement.

Up to 25,000 VW owners will also be offered a US$50 Amazon.com gift certificate for test-driving the new Beetle with the iPod system, as well. Up to 25,000 Apple owners who take the test drive will similarly get a $50 gift certificate for use on Apple.com.

Volkswagen market director Karen Marderosian said that Apple and VW audiences are similar. "A group that embraces something different, simple and unconventional. We think this initiative represents a natural alliance of two like-minded brands," she said.

The promotion is available to U.S. customers only; it is not application to Beetle convertible models.