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HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen executives as well as local officials were on hand this week to celebrate the opening of a new, state-of-the-art VW dealership in California.

Located in Alhambra, Calif., this new store boasts the first white frame facility in the Western region. 

The new visual framework of the dealership is designed to enhance the customer experience by highlighting Volkswagen's brand identity, officials indicated.

"As we continue to increase sales growth in the U.S. with a 27.5-percent sales growth year-to-date nationally, and a 33-percent increase year-to-date in the northern Los Angeles district, we are proud to invest into this region," explained Werner Mersch, VW's regional director. "This area is a vital part of our long-term growth strategy in the U.S.

"This dealership also demonstrates that Volkswagen is committed to the U.S. and reinforces that we are right at home in America," he added.

Rich Wilson, owner of Volkswagen Alhambra and Volkswagen Pasadena, expressed his enthusiasm for the new store.

"We are thrilled to service and bring the Volkswagen brand to the Alhambra community," Wilson stressed.

"We have proudly served the northern Los Angeles district for 50 years and thanks to the support of Volkswagen, we look forward to the next 50 at both dealerships," Wilson concluded.