MEDIA INFORMATION
Contact:
Derek T. Berry
202-877-1773
Derek.T.Berry@medstar.net
Jeannine Ginivan
703-364-7816
Jeannine.Ginivan@vw.com
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA DONATES SPECIALLYMODIFIED 2015 PASSAT TO MEDSTAR NATIONAL REHABILITATION
NETWORK FOR PATIENT THERAPY
WASHINGTON, DC – Nov. 16, 2015 – For disabled patients who hope to one day restore their
independence by driving again, that day is a little closer. This past week, Volkswagen Group of
America, Inc. donated a specially-modified 2015 Passat, with wrapping courtesy of GEICO, to
MedStar National Rehabilitation Network (MedStar NRH).
The Passat’s decorative wrapping features GEICO Geckos, VW keys and each company’s logo.
The stationary vehicle is designed to help patients recovering from a variety of disabling injuries
and illnesses such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord and orthopaedic injuries, learn to safely
transfer in and out of a car. The vehicle also serves an integral role in the MedStar NRH Driver’s
Education Program’s evaluation process of patients yearning to regain the independence that only
a driver’s license can provide. In both cases, patients are assisted by MedStar NRH occupational
therapists.
“This generous gift helps our patients relearn skills that promote improved motor function and
independence, and those skills learned in the hospital setting are immediately transferrable in a
community setting,” said John Rockwood, President, MedStar National Rehabilitation Network and
Senior Vice President, MedStar Health. “Both VW and GEICO connect with this goal, and
understand that for our patients there is no greater independence than being able to travel in a car.
We are truly honored that VW and GEICO have chosen to partner with us to make this new training
vehicle a reality.”
The car was officially installed earlier this fall and patients have received tremendous benefit out of
the vehicle. The VW video production team is chronicling the installation and unveiling of the
vehicle for a special video to be released soon on the company’s media site.
“Volkswagen is proud to support MedStar NRH and its endeavors to help patients who have
overcome incredible circumstances regain the autonomy of entering and egressing from a vehicle,
as well as relearn driving skills,” said Machelle Williams, General Manager, Diversity & Corporate
Social Responsibility, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We are honored that the 2015 Passat
can play such an important role in this next phase of the recovery process for MedStar NRH
patients.”
“The benefits that the MedStar National Rehabilitation Network achieves on behalf of patients are
remarkable,” said Greg Kalinsky, GEICO senior vice president and a member of the MedStar NRH
board of directors. “They can and have enriched the lives of many and we are pleased that we can
support their breakthroughs.”
About MedStar National Rehabilitation Network
The MedStar National Rehabilitation Network (MedStar NRH) is a regional system of rehabilitation care that offers inpatient, day
treatment and outpatient services in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.
The Network’s interdisciplinary team of rehabilitation experts provides comprehensive services to help people recover as fully as
possible following illness and injury. Rehabilitation medicine specialists, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, and
speech-language pathologists work hand-in-hand with other rehab professionals to design treatment plans tailored to each patient’s
unique needs. Rehabilitation plans feature a team approach and include the use of state-of-the-art technology and advanced
medical treatment based on the latest rehabilitation research.
The Network provides comprehensive programs specifically designed to aid in the rehabilitation of adults and children recovering
from neurologic and orthopedic conditions such as amputation, arthritis, back and neck pain, brain injury, cancer, cardiac conditions,
concussion, fibromyalgia, foot and ankle disorders, hand and upper extremity problems, post-polio syndrome, stroke, spinal cord
injury and disease, and sports and work-related injuries.
Inpatient and day treatment programs are provided at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital located in Northwest Washington,
DC and at more than 40 outpatient sites conveniently located throughout the region. MedStar NRH is consistently ranked by
physicians in U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s “Best Hospitals” for Rehabilitation, and is fully accredited by The Joint
Commission, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), with CARF accredited specialty programs for
Amputations, Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury and Stroke.
For more on MedStar NRH and to find a location near you, log on to MedStarNRH.org.
ABOUT VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, one of the world’s leading
automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. VWGoA operates a manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee
and houses the U.S. operations of a worldwide family of distinguished and exciting brands including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti,
Lamborghini and Volkswagen, as well as our financial arm VW Credit, Inc. Founded in 1955, the company's headquarters are in
Herndon, Va.; VWGoA brings vehicles to the U.S. that marry the science of engineering and the art of styling, with the goal of
offering attractive, safe, and eco-conscious automobiles that are competitive and set world standards in their respective classes.
The company has approximately 6,000 employees in the United States and sells its vehicles through a network of approximately
1,000 dealers.
ABOUT GEICO
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the
second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO, which was founded in 1936, provides
millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 13 million private passenger
customers, insuring more than 22 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
Using GEICO’s online service center, policyholders can purchase policies, make policy changes, report claims and print insurance
ID cards. Policyholders can also connect to GEICO through the GEICO App, reach a representative over the phone or visit a GEICO
local agent.
GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage
for boats, life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance
Agency, Inc. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
For more information, go to www.geico.com.
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