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"BOCOG decided to choose Volkswagen as the automobile partner after having conducted a thorough investigation and all-round evaluation," Wang Wei, BOCOG's Vice-President and Secretary-General, told a press conference.

"I believe that the cooperation between Volkswagen Group China and BOCOG will play an important role in ensuring a successful Olympic Games, as well as paving the way for Volkswagen's future in China," he added.

Volkswagen, BOCOG's first official partner, will provide financial, automobile and other forms of support for the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics, BOCOG, the Chinese Olympic Committee, as well as Chinese sports delegation to the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy and 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

The amount of the deal, though described as being "considerable," was not disclosed.

Wang also told the media that BOCOG was soon to unveil partners in several other fields, including banking and mobile and fixed telecommunications.

"We will continue to enthusiastically welcome the participation of foreign and domestic companies in the 2008 Olympics," he said.

Dr. Folker Weissgerber, Vice President of Volkswagen's Board of Directors and President of Volkswagen China's Board of Directors, said Volkswagen is very delighted to get involved in the preparations for the 2008 Games.

"Volkswagen is grateful for the trust that BOCOG has in us," said Weissgerber.

"It is a great honor for Volkswagen to become the official automobile partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. We hope the 2008 Games will offer us a chance to give something back to society and to the Chinese people, whose enthusiastic support we have enjoyed for many year," he added.