Azizulhasni Awang named Volkswagen Malaysia’s first brand ambassador

KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has officially teamed up with national track cycling icon Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang, appointing him as the brand’s first-ever ambassador in the country.

The collaboration, announced recently, positions the decorated Olympian as the new face of Volkswagen in Malaysia.

Also Read: Volkswagen Malaysia lowers 2025 Touareg R-Line price, adds appeal to Flagship SUV

Azizulhasni, better known to Malaysians as “The Pocket Rocketman,” is no stranger to making history. He became the first Malaysian cyclist to win an Olympic medal and has consistently represented the nation at the highest level — from Tokyo to Melbourne — with a mix of tenacity, skill, and discipline.

His underdog story, which began in Terengganu and continues on the global stage, aligns with what Volkswagen says it wants to represent: performance, perseverance, and progress.

“Azizul’s story is one of extraordinary ambition, agility and drive. Much like our cars, he represents performance that is purposeful and enduring,” said Renate Noessler, Managing Director of VPCM. “He is not just a champion on the track — he’s a role model off it. We are honoured to have him as part of the Volkswagen family.”

The partnership is expected to stretch beyond the usual brand endorsement playbook. Azizulhasni will front upcoming Volkswagen campaigns and make appearances at events, both physical and digital.

The aim is to forge a stronger emotional connection with Malaysians — particularly the younger generation — by pairing the brand with a household name who embodies resilience and achievement.

“This partnership goes beyond traditional brand endorsements. It reflects a deep connection with Malaysians who value performance, integrity, and long-term confidence in what they drive,” added Noessler.

Azizulhasni, for his part, sees the collaboration as an opportunity to tell a bigger story — one about discipline, determination, and pushing limits.

“I’ve always believed that success is built on consistency, detail and the courage to take on challenges — values that align perfectly with Volkswagen,” he said. “To be chosen as their first ambassador is a true honour. This partnership isn’t just about cars or cycling — it’s about inspiring Malaysians to go further, faster and never settle.”

The cyclist’s image and voice will be seen across various models in Volkswagen’s line-up, including the Golf GTI, Tiguan Allspace, Arteon and Touareg.

Each car, according to the brand, reflects a piece of what Azizulhasni brings to the table — confidence, precision, and a no-nonsense sense of purpose.

Kicking things off, Azizul recently took delivery of a Volkswagen Touareg, which he used to visit his mother and return to his hometown in Dungun. Reflecting on the journey, he highlighted how the Touareg’s air suspension and advanced safety systems made the long drive more relaxing — especially at night, where the SUV’s Nightvision feature really came into its own.

The Nightvision system uses an infrared camera to scan up to 130 metres ahead, detecting heat signatures from people or animals well before they enter the headlights’ beam. Azizul noted how useful this was when driving through rural areas after dark or in low-visibility conditions like fog.

The infrared feed is shown either on the instrument cluster or through the available Digital Cockpit, helping drivers stay alert to potential hazards before they become visible to the naked eye.

Also Read: REVIEW: 2025 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line - Quiet, capable, criminally underrated