Flynn, a trained athlete diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, will depart from Santa Monica, Calif. on Wednesday, September 5 and aims to finish in New York City on October 4. The Trans America Challenge is one of a series of endurance challenges that Flynn will tackle in his mission to travel 10 million meters (6,213 miles) and raise £1 million ($1.5 million USD) for Parkinson's research by 2014.

To support the cause, Volkswagen has contributed two 2012 Volkswagen Touareg SUVs to transport Flynn's crew, supplies and equipment, including a kayak, bike and other gear. The Touareg is well-equipped for the challenging cross-country event, outfitted with bike racks from the Volkswagen Accessories catalog. In addition, the Touareg can carry five passengers and 32.1 cubic feet of luggage, or 64 cubic feet of equipment with the rear seats folded.

"Alex Flynn's passion in taking on this formidable physical challenge for such a worthy cause is inspirational," said Tim Mahoney, executive vice president and chief product and marketing officer, Volkswagen of America. "Volkswagen is extremely proud to be supporting Alex in his mission to raise funds and overall awareness for this disease that affects millions worldwide."

Along the cross-country course, Flynn will aim to overcome diverse terrain and physical challenges, including climbing Mount Whitney, running 135 miles across Death Valley, cycling to Chicago, and kayaking across Lake Erie.

"It's a daunting challenge, but I am driven to fight this disease and to raise much-needed awareness and funds for Parkinson's research," said Flynn. "I am grateful to have the support of Volkswagen and the other sponsors who have rallied around me and the cause."

Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in June 2008, the forty-year-old father of three is determined to battle what is currently an incurable disease that afflicts more than 120,000 people in the United Kingdom, Flynn's native country, and at least 500,000 in the United States. Flynn has already embarked upon several difficult events in the battle to achieve his goal, including marathons, triathlons and cycling events.

Flynn's other corporate partners for the Challenge include Activ-VIII, Buff, OMM, Orbea, deVere Group, Garmin, and Saucony.

Flynn will share his experiences as he progresses on the Trans America Challenge, posting regular updates on his website: www.alexflynn.co.uk. Visit the site to view a full, day-by-day itinerary or to donate to the cause. Follow Flynn on Twitter at AlexFlynn01.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
 Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Golf R Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.