AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. has teamed up with Universal and hip-hop duo OutKast to host screenings of the film Idlewild and movie soundtrack listening parties in New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles. OutKast's Andre "Andre 3000" Benjamin and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton both star in the film. The listening parties will feature new sounds from the duo's next album, which also serves as the film's soundtrack. The album will include all new songs by OutKast and is set to release August 22nd -- three days before the movie hits theatres, August 25th.

In a continuous effort to reach out to the African-American community, this is the third Volkswagen Important People (VWIP) sponsored event of the year, NBA All*Star Weekend in Houston being the first, followed by Zo's Summer Groove in Miami.

"Volkswagen is extremely excited to partner with OutKast on what is sure to be a fabulous event. What's particularly exciting is the opportunity to connect with the African-American community," says Kenyatta Bynoe, Brand Marketing Manager, at Volkswagen.

Fans in each market will have the opportunity to become VWIP's and win tickets to the listening parties through radio call-ins. Volkswagen has aligned itself with the hottest Hip-Hop radio stations in each market. Stations will also broadcast live from the "blue" carpet.

In addition to consumers, invited guests include tastemakers, athletes and entertainers. The VWIP "blue" carpet events will feature complimentary shuttle service for select guests in each market. A fleet of 2006 Touaregs, Volkswagen's top-line SUV, will transport select VWIPs to and from the screenings and listening parties.

The screenings will run from 7:30-9:30 PM while the soundtrack album listening parties begin at 9:00 PM.

    ATLANTA
    Thursday, August 17th
    Regal Atlantic Station Stadium 16
    371 17th Street, Atlanta, GA 30363
    LISTENING PARTY: eleven50, 1150b Peachtree St.,  Atlanta, GA 30309
    Invited celebrity guests include: Boris Kodjoe, Ludacris, Bow Wow,
    Cee-lo, Dallas Austin, Jermaine Dupri, Lyfe Jennings, Yung Joc,
    Jason Weaver, Lil' Jon, T.I., Usher and India.Arie

    LOS ANGELES
    Saturday, August 19th
    Harmony Gold Screening Room
    7655 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles CA 90046
    LISTENING PARTY:  Memphis, 6541 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
    Invited celebrity guests include: Jane Fonda, Terrence Howard,
    Ving Rhames, Faizon Love, Macy Gray, Malinda Williams, Paula Jai Parker,
    Paula Patton, Eve, Nick Cannon, Anthony Anderson, Darrin Henson,
    Danny Masterson, Hill Harper, Keenan Thompson, Regina King, Larenz Tate,
    Sanaa Lathan, Ryan Phillipe, Shane West, Tracee Ellis Ross, Baron Davis,
    Sam Cassell, Cuttino Mobley, Corey Maggette, Lamar Odom and Smush Parker

    NEW YORK
    Wednesday, August 23rd
    Loews Kips Bay 15
    570 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
    LISTENING PARTY:  Providence, 311 W. 57th St, New York, NY 10019
    Invited celebrity guests include:  Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Jay-Z, 50 Cent,
    Alicia Keys, Busta Rhymes, Carl Thomas, Chris Brown, DMX, Fabolous,
    Fat Joe, Fonzworth Bentley, JoJo, Kevin Liles, LL Cool J., Lil' Kim,
    Lupe Fiasco, Nina Sky, Olivia, Queen Latifah, Remy Ma, Rockwilder and
    Tyson Beckford

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising in total more than 900 independent U.S. dealers.

    CONTACT:  Nicole Dye-Anderson, 215.525.1409, ndyeanderson@ad-itive.com
              Stephen Winkler, 215.525.1407, swinkler@ad-itive.com