Volkswagen's new luxury sector car, codenamed Project D1, will be called Phaeton.

The name was announced at the opening ceremony of the factory where the car will be built in Dresden. With its origins in Greek mythology, the word Phaeton was used at the start of the last century to describe a motor vehicle bodyshape.

The Phaeton marks Volkswagen's first move into the luxury car market. Displayed in concept form in 1999, the new saloon will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in spring 2002.