Volkswagen of America is reviewing its choice of lead agency handling its U.S. marketing and advertising.

Volkswagen AG's U.S. subsidiary announced the review today as part of its strategy to increase its presence in the United States by setting up local production facilities and rolling out models designed for American car buyers.

"Our goal of rapidly increasing our volume in a mature market requires the Volkswagen brand to evolve into a more relevant mainstream choice," said Tim Ellis, vice president for marketing at Volkswagen of America.

"The Volkswagen brand needs to inspire our base of enthusiasts as well as reach out and captivate those in mainstream America. Therefore, we are re-evaluating all areas of our business, and after careful considerations have decided to take the necessary steps to ensure we have the right agency partner in place," he said.

Volkswagen has not established a list of agencies that will be considered yet but has invited its current agency of record, Miami-based Crispin Porter + Bogusky, to make a pitch.

"CP+B is a highly talented and creative agency and we've been very proud of the work they have provided us," Ellis said.

Volkswagen of America aims to nearly quadruple its U.S. sales to 800,000 cars and light trucks by 2018. It is developing new models for the market, including a compact sedan making its debut next year. The following year, VW will start producing a new mid-size sedan at an assembly plant it is now building in Chattanooga, Tenn. Both models have been designed with the specific wants and needs of the U.S. consumer, Volkswagen said.