HERNDON, Va. -- Volkswagen of America Inc. announced Wednesday a partnership with Upromise, the country's largest private source of college funding contributions, to provide $1,500 to customers who purchase or lease a new 2009 Routan for their child's future education savings.

"We’re aware that the cost of college continues to rise exponentially, far outpacing inflation, and our hope is to help our customer’s off-set that cost, while getting a great new vehicle," said Tim Ellis, vice president of marketing for Volkswagen of America Inc.

Upromise members can get $1,500 in college savings when they pre-order a Routan by August 31, 2008 and take delivery by November 30, 2008.

To do so, members should log on to www.upromise.com/vw, print their unique Upromise VW savings code, and present it to their Volkswagen dealer at the time the pre-order deposit is made. Anyone can join Upromise at no charge by visiting www.upromise.com.

The Routan, Volkswagen’s new seven-passenger minivan, will be available at dealers in September 2008.