Audi, Toyota replace GM as Yankees' sponsor

Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and--sushi? Sauerkraut?

Audi and Toyota will become the official vehicle brands of the New York Yankees, replacing General Motors as the team's automotive sponsor.

The German luxury brand of Volkswagen AG said Monday it's the first luxury automotive sponsor of the team, which next month opens its 2009 season in the new $1.5 billion Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.

Toyota Motor Corp. also confirmed its sponsorship, but did not provide details.

GM sponsored the Yankees from 2006 through 2008 and chose not to renew its contract.

"Chevy remains the official vehicle of Major League Baseball," GM said in a statement. "However, some team agreements will end as we manage through the current business and economic challenges and look to reduce costs during this difficult time."

The three-year Audi sponsorship begins with the April 16 opening season home game and runs through the 2011 season.

The sponsorship gives Audi an executive suite that will be called the Audi Yankees Club in left field at the stadium.

The Audi logo will be displayed on the glass doors of its new club area and the exterior fa

By Diana T. Kurylko- Automotive News