Since 2008, the Chinese-born pianist has been promoting musical education for young artists.
Lang Lang, a pianist, and Volkswagen Group, an automaker, signed a multi-year cooperation agreement today for an undisclosed amount. The Chinese performer will represent the Group as “a cultural ambassador.”
As part of the deal, Lang Lang will arrive, arrive at his concerts all over the world in vehicles provided by Volkswagen, which presumably includes the Audi A6 that is so popular in China.
“Lang Lang is a unique musician and a role model for young people everywhere in the world. With his work, he builds bridges between countries and cultures. We are therefore delighted to be working closely with Lang Lang over the coming years,” said Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Executive Chairman of Volkswagen AG.
Since 2008, the Chinese-born pianist has been promoting musical education for young artists through his Lang Lang Foundation. In China, Volkswagen Group’s largest market where it trails General Motors for the Number One spot, Lang Lang has opened two art centers for children.
In addition to numerous international honors, the musician is the holder of the German Federal Cross of Merit. It was awarded to him last July for his “outstanding services” in support of German musical culture. Now they will be paid services.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
