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Frank Fischer, CEO and Chairman of Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations LLC, said, "We are proud to power up the biggest solar park of any car manufacturer in North America today. The solar park is another proof point of Volkswagen's worldwide commitment to environmental protection under its 'Think Blue.' Factory' philosophy, a broadly focused initiative for all Volkswagen plants to achieve more efficient use of energy, materials and water and produce less waste and emissions." Mr. Fischer added, "Powering up the solar park also validates the awarding of the LEED Platinum certificate to Volkswagen Chattanooga, which is still the only car factory in the world that has earned such an honor."

Matthew Kisber, Silicon Ranch President and CEO, said, "We're proud to partner with VW on this important project. Today's 'Power Up' launch not only greatly enhances the energy efficiency of VW's Chattanooga plant and reaffirms its place as a true global environmental leader, but it also symbolizes the beginning of a new era in manufacturing operations throughout the region and worldwide. The scope of this solar park and the breadth of how much of the sun's energy will be harnessed here will most certainly have a powerful and lasting positive impact on both our environment and our economy."

Dr. Murray Cameron, Chief Operating Officer of Phoenix Solar AG and President of U.S.-based Phoenix Solar Inc., said, "Phoenix Solar Inc. is extremely proud to have designed and built the largest solar electric photovoltaic (PV) plant in Tennessee for such a prominent global company. This project adds to our extensive list of large-scale solar installations across Europe, the Middle East and North America which are supplying cost-effective and clean electricity to a vast variety of commercial companies and utilities." Dr. Cameron added, "What is particularly unique and exciting about this solar power plant is that Volkswagen has coupled clean electricity with energy efficiency measures in the factory to showcase how industry can make an immediate and positive contribution to protecting the environment."

Editor's Note:
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About Volkswagen Chattanooga

Volkswagen has invested $1 billion in the local economy for the Chattanooga plant and has created more than 5,000 jobs in the region. According to independent studies, the Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs related to its investment. The Chattanooga manufacturing facility builds the all-new 2012 Passat Sedan, specially designed for the North American market and winner of the Motor Trend magazine 2012 Car of the Year award. In 2012, it has produced more than 152,400 Volkswagen Passats. Volkswagen Chattanooga is the first and still only car factory worldwide with a LEED Platinum certification. It is also certified according to ISO 14001 for its environmental management system and according to ISO 50001 for its energy management system.

About Silicon Ranch

Silicon Ranch Corporation ("Silicon Ranch") develops and operates large-scale solar facilities. Silicon Ranch is distinguished from other developers by its ability to deliver a green energy solution that addresses the environmental, business and workforce issues associated with successfully expanding solar capacity and green jobs. Silicon Ranch has gained prominence as a low-cost producer of solar energy by focusing on creating efficiencies through every step of the deployment process, thereby increasing capital investments in clean energy.

About Phoenix Solar

Founded in 1999, Phoenix Solar is a global leader in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic power plants, having installed or sold more than one gigawatt of capacity. The company's technology-neutral approach allows us to objectively provide the best solar solutions for our customers. Phoenix Solar Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Phoenix Solar AG, headquartered in Sulzemoos near Munich, Germany (www.phoenixsolar-group.com). For more information about Phoenix Solar Inc., please visit www.phoenixsolar.com.



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Media Contacts:

Volkswagen
Guenther Scherelis
Email Contact
423-580-8532

Phoenix Solar Inc.
Bruce Entin
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925-659-3715

Phoenix Solar AG
Andrea Wegner
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Tel.: +49 8135 938 313

Silicon Ranch
Matthew Kisber
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