The Cannes Lions Advertiser of the Year 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.

This year the Award goes to Volkswagen. After winning their first Lion back in 1961, Volkswagen ads have gone on to win nearly 150 Lions across all disciplines, including two Film Grands Prix, two Press Grands Prix, and Grands Prix in Promo and Cyber in 2006.

"We are delighted to honour a brand that has loyaly 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," said Terry Savage, Festival Chairman. "Volkswagen are a role model to other brands and worthy of this prestigious honour," continued Savage.

Jochen Sengpiehl, Senior Vice President Volkswagen Marketing, who is responsible for the global brand management, worldwide positioning and strategy of the brand as well as all marketing communications and global media buying said, "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."

Founded in 1937 in Wolfsburg, Germany, Volkswagen is today one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. Volkswagen continues to p roduce much loved models that have stood the test of time, such as the Beetle and the Golf.

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.