Audi A6 and A7 Selected by Car and Driver as ’2012 10Best’ Winners

Posted on 07 December 2011 by

  • In its 30th year, the ‘10Best’ award highlights top picks under $80,000
  • 2012 A6 and 2012 A7 chosen for superior technology and design
  • 2012 Audi A8L and 2012 R8 recognized as ‘Favorites Over $80K’

Audi announced that the 2012 Audi A6 and 2012 Audi A7 vehicles have been named by Car and Driver, the world’s largest automotive enthusiast publication, to the 30th annual “10Best” list. In its 30th year, “10Best” by Car and Driver recognizes the best all-new cars on the market under $80,000.

“As in years past, the cars on this year’s list represent the best overall vehicles on the market today,” said Eddie Alterman, editor-in-chief, Car and Driver. “Out of 68 contenders, these are the ones that consistently perform the best, are a good value and are engaging, fun-to-drive vehicles.”

The all-new 2012 Audi A6 boasts an all-aluminum Audi 3.0 L TFSI® supercharged V6 engine with 310 horsepower. One of Audi’s most innovative and technologically-advanced models to date, the A6 makes up to 2,000 decisions per second to assist the driver. Safety in the all-new Audi A6 is enhanced by a thermal imaging camera with Night Vision Assistant as well as the Audi Pre-Sense Plus safety system. Other intelligent features include head-up display and a MMI® Touch pad that recognizes handwriting in multiple languages. Audi is the first company worldwide to feature factory-installed wireless internet, enabling features such as Audi connect™ for real-time weather, traffic news and live fuel prices, and MMI Navigation with 3-D Google Earth™ images.

The Audi A7 is the epitome of high style and artistry, with a five-door coupe design that is both sporty and elegant. The Audi A7 can also boast being the first car in the world to feature factory-installed Wi-Fi with Audi connect™ and navigation with 3-D Google Earth. From the groundbreaking MMI® touchpad and its gracefully integrated display screen, to the state-of-the-art head up display, the Audi A7 is the perfect marriage of progressive design and sophisticated engineering. The A7 also sets a high standard for performance, handling and efficiency with an all-aluminum Audi 3.0 liter TFSI® V6 engine, 310hp and 325 lb-ft. of torque.

Nominees for the 30th annual “10Best” list consist of all new cars, 2011 10Best winners, cars that were not available for the 2011 competition, and those with significant updates. All cars must fall under the base-price cap of $80,000 and be on sale in January 2012. Full coverage of the 2012 Car and Driver 10Best awards can be found in the January issue, on newsstands December 6, and online at http://www.caranddriver.com/201210best

In a companion piece in the January issue, Car and Driver also named the 2012 Audi A8L and 2012 Audi R8 as ‘Favorites Over $80K.’ The A8L, Audi’s flagship sedan, was chosen for its imposing, luxurious design as well as its powerful 372 horsepower, V8 engine. The sporty R8 was selected for its supercar styling and “sci-fi bodywork.”

ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2010 Audi was the top performing luxury brand in Europe, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Over the next few years, AUDI AG will invest nearly $16 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

ABOUT CAR AND DRIVER
Car and Driver (http://www.caranddriver.com) is known for its expert editorial team that is highly regarded by car enthusiasts and automotive manufacturers for their integrity, engineering backgrounds, and high standards. The magazine is published monthly by Hearst Magazines (www.hearst.com), boasting the largest audience of any monthly automotive magazine. The Car and Driver brand is a leading source of information for automotive enthusiasts and in-market car buyers. The brand also extends to many platforms, including websites, mobile sites, radio, iPhone/iPad apps, events, custom marketing programs, and integrated marketing databases.

Full coverage of the 2012 Car and Driver 10Best awards can be found in the January issue, on newsstands December 6, and online at www.caranddriver.com.

# # #

Audi sets U.S. prices for all-new 2012 Audi A7

Posted on 05 April 2011 by

  • U.S. pricing for all-new Audi A7 starts at $59,250
  • Iconic design and industry first innovative technology combine to deliver emotion, prestige and functionality
  • All models feature supercharged 3.0L TFSI® V6 engine producing 310 hp

Audi announced that pricing for the all-new 2012 Audi A7 will begin at $59,250 with the first of the elegantly designed models reaching U.S. showrooms later this month.

The 2012 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the all-new Audi A7 is as follows:

2012 Audi A7 pricing (excluding $875 destination charge, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges):

A7 3.0T quattro® Tiptronic®                         $59,250

The all-new Audi A7 is a design icon, with technology to match its emotional styling. The A7 combines prestige, sportiness and functionality into a five-door coupe with seating for four. Through its emotion-evoking exterior and interior design as well as industry-first technology, the Audi A7 is sure to continue to attract new customers to the Audi brand.

The interior of the Audi A7 is a bold expression of contemporary design that matches the exterior of the vehicle. With impeccable attention to detail and craftsmanship, the wraparound sky-liner dashboard envelops the driver and front passenger and is a testament to the Audi legacy of inspirational interiors, providing exceptional fit and finish, comfort and luxury.

2011 Audi A7 | Highlights

While the coupe design of the Audi A7 attracts the eye, the aluminum-hybrid lightweight construction, with aluminum body panels and a steel frame, provides excellent handling, safety and fuel economy. The 3.0L TFSI V6 supercharged engine generates 310 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission yielding impressive fuel economy ratings (18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, according to the U.S. EPA, for a combined fuel economy rating of 22 mpg) with quattro all-wheel drive standard.

The A7 delivers excellent performance characteristics with usable functionality. The integrated rear spoiler automatically deploys at higher speeds to achieve maximum down force and improved aerodynamics.

Continuing to take a leadership role in bringing progressive, innovative technologies to our customers, the Audi A7 is available with the latest MMI® technology that provides a user-friendly interface for navigation, audio, phone and vehicle customization functions. In addition, the MMI touch handwriting recognition system allows customers to enter destination or telephone information with the touch of a finger.

The MMI system also serves as the interface with the industry-first Audi Connect system, which brings a whole new level of real-time user-relevant information into the vehicle. With first-to-market voice-activated Google EarthTM, Google Local search, and, for passenger use, rolling Wi-Fi® hotspot functionality (first-to-market as Factory-installed option with integrated mobile broadband connectivity), the A7 enables new, progressive ways of interacting with the vehicle and its surroundings.

For more information regarding Audi Connect, please go to http://www.audiusanews.com/pressrelease/2286//what-audi-connect.

The A7 introduces an available Audi-first headup Display with a high-resolution, full-color display, as well as many innovative technologies which were recently introduced in the Audi A8 flagship, including available full LED headlights, Night vision assistant, Audi pre sense plus and the unmatched Bang & Olufsen® Advanced Audio System, which delivers 1,300 watts of audio bliss through 15 perfectly tuned speakers.

Design | highlights:
• Iconic 5-door coupe design utilizing aluminum hybrid lightweight construction.
• 4-seat configuration with folding rear seats
• Xenon plus headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights
• Unmistakable Audi Singleframe® grill design
• 7-inch Driver Information System
• 8-inch MMI screen with MMI touch technology
• Frameless side windows appropriate for coupe
• Ambient lighting plus using LED lighting technology

Engine/drivetrain | highlights:
• V6 3.0L TFSI supercharged engine delivering 310 hp and 325 lbs-ft of torque.
• 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission
• Legendary quattro all-wheel drive with 40:60 rear-bias torque split

Standard equipment | highlights:
• 18-inch wheels with all-season tires
• Xenon plus headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights
• Leather seating surfaces
• Power, heated front seats with driver lumbar support
• Automatic power tailgate
• Audi drive select
• SIRIUS® satellite radio
• Audi Music Interface
• Bluetooth® telephone and music player connection
• Homelink®
• Keyless go
• Power sunroof
• 3-zone automatic climate control
• Automatic headlights with light/rain sensor

Optional equipment | highlights:

Premium Plus includes:
• 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with all-season tires
• MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and Google Earth
• Audi Connect with 6 month complimentary data trial period
• Front and rear parking sensors and rearview camera
• 7-inch Driver Information System and 8” MMI screen
• HD Radio, CD changer and Jukebox

Prestige includes Premium Plus items and:
• S line® exterior (bumpers, grille)
• BOSE® surround sound system
• Advanced key (keyless entry)
• 4-zone climate control
• Ventilated front seats
• Adaptive headlights and cornering lights
• Power adjustable steering column
• Ambient lighting plus (LED interior lights)

Innovation Package:
• Full LED headlights
• Audi pre sense plus
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Audi side assist
• Head Up Display
• Night vision assistant

Sport Packages:
• 19-inch or 20-inch wheels with performance tires
• Sport suspension
• 3-spoke sport steering wheel with shift paddles

Driver Assistance Package:
• Audi pre sense plus
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Audi side assist

Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System (similar to A8 D4):
• 15 speakers including subwoofer and center speaker
• Acoustic lens emerging tweeters
• Speaker covers are polished aluminum
• 1300 watts of B&O® ICEpower®

ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2010 Audi was the top performing luxury brand in Europe, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Over the next few years, AUDI AG will invest nearly $16 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

Audi reports best-ever March U.S. sales and best first quarter in company history

Posted on 05 April 2011 by

  • March 2011 marked third-best month ever with sales of 9,818, easily eclipsing previous March record of 8,589 set in 2010
  • 2011 Audi A8 flagship sales help fuel 14.3% year-over-year jump in month
  • Certified Pre-Owned sales of 3,318 vehicles marks the second-best month for Audi CPO, second only to May 2008 with 3,364 vehicles sold

Audi today sustained its 2011 momentum with a series of record setting achievements. March U.S. sales of Audi cars and SUVs not only marked the third-straight monthly record for 2011, but also the best-ever March in company history and the best first quarter of all-time. Additionally, the March 2011 results rank as the third-best monthly sales overall for the brand in its U.S. history. The strong March sales represented a month-to-month sales increase of more than 25% over February 2011, and a 14.3% improvement from March 2010. The 2011 best first quarter in company history comes on the heels of Audi posting its best annual U.S. sales for 2010.

Overall, Audi sold 9,818 vehicles in March 2011 compared to the 8,589 vehicles sold in March 2010 to set the old record for the month. The strong sales results were buoyed by the continued extraordinary public response to the 2011 Audi A8 flagship model with a 788.9% increase in sales from a year earlier. March 2011 was the best month for Audi A8 sales in more than five years. Sales of the Audi A4 recorded more than a 20% month-to-month sales increase over February 2011 and climbed 12.1% compared to March 2010.

Audi models have already earned significant awards in the U.S., including the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award to the 2011 Audi A8, four category winners in the Strategic Vision 2010 Total Value Index and the EyesOn Design “Best Production Vehicle” awarded to the Audi A6, which is scheduled to arrive this Fall.

In March 2011, Audi recorded year-over-year sales increases exceeding 20% with five of its models: the Audi A8, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi R8 and the Audi TT. Audi Q5 crossover and Audi Q7 full-size luxury crossover sales posted 22.5% and 36.6% increases over March 2010 sales, respectively. Moreover, due to improved availability and seasonality, the Audi R8 and Audi TT recorded a combined 56.9% year-over-year sales increase compared to March 2010. Despite limited availability for the Audi A5 in the month of March, the A5 posted a month-to-month sales gain of more than 20% compared to February 2011 sales. Moreover, the Audi S5 registered a 30% sales mix, compared to the 2010 average of 26%.

“Having ended 2010 on such a high note, it was important to ensure that we continue our momentum well into 2011,” said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. “As first quarter sales figures clearly reinforce the notion that consumers are eager to drive the superior lineup of Audi vehicles, we are optimistic that 2011 will be another banner year for us.”

Audi sales highlights – March 2011
• March 2011 ranks as the best-ever March sales in Audi of America history; also ranks as the third-best month ever in company history, behind December 2006 and December 2010.
• Best first quarter ever with 25,383 vehicles sold, topping the previous first quarter record of 2010 by 19.1%.
• Five models within Audi lineup post gains of over 20% YOY.
• Month-to-month Audi sales increase of more than 25% over February 2011, and 14.3% YOY increase.

Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 March sales and news notes
• Audi Q5 sales in March second only to A4; Q5 with less than 20 day supply of dealer inventory.
• Audi Q5 sales up 22.5% for March YOY.
• Audi Q7 sales up 36.6% for March YOY; Q7 with less than 15 day supply of dealer inventory.

Audi A3, A6, R8 and TT March sales and news notes
• Audi A3 sales increase by 200 units over February 2011.
• Audi A6 sales increase by 130 units over February 2011.
• R8 sales record 103.8% uptick over March 2010.
• TT sales up 40.8% YOY compared to March 2010.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned sales and news notes
• March 2011 CPO sales of 3,318 units represent 30.1% YOY surge from 2,551 vehicles a year earlier; increase in sales fueled by strong A4 sales mix.
• Second best March for Audi CPO of all-time, second only to May 2008 with 3,364 vehicles sold.
• Record-setting CPO markets in March: East up 30% year-to-date growth compared to 2010; South up 34% YTD growth compared to 2010; and West up 40% YTD growth compared to 2010.


ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2010 Audi was the top performing luxury brand in Europe, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Over the next few years, AUDI AG will invest nearly $16 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

AUDI US SNAPSHOT –YTD–
Model Line March ’11 Actual March ’10 Actual Yr/Yr % change March ’11 YTD Actual March ’10 YTD Actual Yr/Yr % change
A3 576 548 -5.1% 1,677 1,450 15.7%
A4 3,428 3,058 12.1% 8,681 8,481 2.4%
A5 1,388 1,675 -17.1% 3,584 3,755 -4.6%
A6 724 799 -9.4% 1,912 1,813 5.5%
A8 560 63 788.9% 1,371 149 820.1%
Audi Q5 2,083 1,701 22.5% 5,206 3,811 36.6%
Audi Q7 739 541 36.6% 2,237 1,380 62.1%
R8 106 52 103.8% 279 129 116.3%
TT 214 152 40.8% 436 347 25.6%
Total Audi Sales 9,818 8,589 14.3% 25,383 21,315 19.1%

NOTES:
- 2010 A4 numbers include Audi A4 sedan, Avant, and S4 models. 2009 A4 numbers include A4 cabriolet, which has been discontinued.
- 2010 A5 numbers include Audi A5 cabriolet and coupe’ and S5 cabriolet and coupe’
models. 2009 A5 numbers do not include the cabriolet models.
- A6 includes Audi A6 sedan, S6 sedan and A6 Avant models.
- A8 includes Audi A8 sedan, A8L sedan, and S8 sedan models.
- TT includes Audi TT coupe’ and TT roadster models.

Head of Audi Design, Stefan Sielaff, discusses the Revolutionary Design of the all-new Audi A7

Posted on 10 March 2011 by

Audi A7 Revolutionary Design

Characterized by very precise lines, low front-end, and almost negative shape of the distinctive rear-end, Head of Audi Design, Stefan Sielaff, discusses the revolutionary design of the all-new Audi A7. The all-new Audi A7 makes a bold design statement with its progressive exterior lines and innovative design process. Follow the link for more info on this emotion-packed car Audi A7.
With its distinctive 42,000 square foot dealership–the largest in the Audi USA dealer portfolio–Boardwalk Audi is committed to interlacing Audi’s unparalleled engineering prowess with exceptional service performance.  As a member of Boardwalk Auto Group we cultivate a focus on top-flight performance. It’s the driving force behind every nameplate we represent, every car we maintain, and every customer we have the privilege to serve. Performance. It’s what we do.

Behind the Scenes with the New A7

Posted on 04 March 2011 by

Audi A7 Behind The Scenes

Audi exterior designer Achim-D Badstübner provides a behind-the-scenes look into the creation of the all-new Audi A7. It is one of the most unusual genesis stories in the Audi model family. The A7 was a design team’s dream project that originated without an order and without a requirements specification — and literally seduced the Board of Management.

With its distinctive 42,000 square foot dealership–the largest in the Audi USA dealer portfolio–Boardwalk Audi is committed to interlacing Audi’s unparalleled engineering prowess with exceptional service performance.  As a member of Boardwalk Auto Group we cultivate a focus on top-flight performance. It’s the driving force behind every nameplate we represent, every car we maintain, and every customer we have the privilege to serve. Performance. It’s what we do.

Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen offers his thoughts on the all-new Audi A7

Posted on 18 February 2011 by

Audi A7 Unveiling in Munich – July 2010

Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen offers his thoughts on the all-new Audi A7, which was revealed recently in Munich. Motoring enthusiasts no longer have to make a choice between performance and efficiency: the Audi A7 offers it all.

With its distinctive 42,000 square foot dealership–the largest in the Audi USA dealer portfolio–Boardwalk Audi is committed to interlacing Audi’s unparalleled engineering prowess with exceptional service performance.  As a member of Boardwalk Auto Group we cultivate a focus on top-flight performance. It’s the driving force behind every nameplate we represent, every car we maintain, and every customer we have the privilege to serve. Performance. It’s what we do.

Audi A7 Sportback wins Design Summit

Posted on 15 February 2011 by

  • Ten new models eligible for vote in “Auto Bild” automotive trade journal
  • Distinguished jury selects A7 for first place by wide margin
  • Kelly, Tumminelli, Wickenheiser and von Mende unanimous

The Audi A7 Sportback has scored a big victory: the five-door coupé has been selected the winner of the “Auto Bild” Design Summit. A distinguished jury panel evaluated the design of a total of ten new cars. The result: the Audi A7 Sportback was voted number one by a wide margin for its outstanding design.

Recognized design experts such as James Kelly, who heads the Transportation Design department at Pforzheim University, expressed high praise for the large coupé. “The design of the Audi A7 Sportback was the best in the group by far,” Kelly said. “The low tail section is especially impressive! I’d buy it immediately.” Othmar Wickenheiser, professor of Transportation Design at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, also praised the car’s styling: “An absolutely harmonious design concept. Unembellished flanks, sinewy shoulders, streamlined sides – perfect.”

Well-known architect and design critic Hans-Ulrich von Mende and Prof. Paolo Tumminelli of the International School of Design in Cologne selected the Audi A7 Sportback the winner in a list of categories including proportions, styling, innovation, haptics and quality.

“We are extremely pleased with this achievement – to be selected by a jury of such experts in the field of design,” said Stefan Sielaff, Head of Audi Design. “The award confirms the outstanding position of the Audi A7 Sportback within the competitive field, and the excellent response from our customers confirms the appeal of this car.”

With aesthetic athletics and elegance on a grand scale, Audi again emphasizes design with the A7 Sportback. The five-door coupé measures 4.97 meters (16.31 ft) long and 1.91 meters (6.27 ft) wide, but just 1.42 meters (4.66 ft) high. Its long hood, sporty, flowing C-pillars and the steep drop of the rear section present a dynamic overall image.

The interior is also a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that Audi puts into building cars; the quality of the craftsmanship is on a par with fine handcrafted goods. The senses are pampered with high quality new materials including veneers made with a laminated-wood technique; options include ambient lighting that highlights the interior. Options available for the front seat include ventilation and massage features. Another option allows the contours of the lateral support in the seat and backrest to be individually adjusted.

Audi delivers the A7 Sportback with one of four powerful and cultivated V6 engines – two gasoline-powered and two diesel-powered. They have a capacity of between 150 kW (204 hp) and 220 kW (300 hp), and their efficiency sets the standard in this class of vehicle. The new 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp), which will be available for order at a later date, and the multitronic transmission use an average of just 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 mpg) – the CO2 emissions of just 139 grams per km (223.70 g/mile) is groundbreaking. All engines work with a recuperation system, thermal management and a start-stop system.

Audi January U.S. Sales Increase 20% to Set Monthly Record

Posted on 01 February 2011 by

  • January 2011 sales of 7,812 easily eclipsed the old record of 6,510 set January 2010
  • 2011 Audi A8 flagship sedan sales rise 765% year-over-year
  • Consumers demand clean diesel vehicles; sales mix hit 66% for the Audi A3 TDI and 41% for the Q7 TDI

Audi today reported January U.S. sales of 7,812 Audi cars and SUVs, which accounted for a 20% overall increase from January 2010. The previous January sales record for Audi in the U.S. was the 6,510 vehicles sold in 2010.

The strong January 2011 results followed the best year that the luxury brand has seen in the U.S. as sales surpassed 100,000 for the first time to finish the full year at 101,629 vehicles. The 8.6% share that Audi held in overall U.S. imported luxury vehicle sales at the end of 2010 also set a record for the brand.

Audi models have already earned significant awards in the U.S., including the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award to the 2011 Audi A8, four category winners in the Strategic Vision 2010 Total Value Index and the EyesOn Design “Best Production Vehicle” awarded to the Audi A6, which is scheduled to arrive this Fall.

In January 2011, Audi recorded year-over-year sales increases exceeding 50% with five of its models: the Audi A3, Audi A8, Audi Q5, Audi Q7 and the Audi R8.

Sales of the 2011 Audi A8 flagship model, introduced in late November, jumped 765.4% from a year earlier as consumers continue to respond favorably to the most technologically advanced vehicle Audi has ever produced.

January 2011 Audi A3 sales climbed 52.8% from a year earlier as consumers continued to demand the Audi A3 TDI clean diesel model, the 2010 Green Car of the Year. Audi Q5 crossover sales continued to show the strong momentum built throughout 2010 by posting a 50.9% gain from January 2010 sales. The Audi Q7 full-size luxury crossover sales also showed a nearly 60% rise from January 2010.

“Consumers sent a strong signal that Audi is a brand on the rise,” said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. “Our intent is to make 2011 another pacesetting year.”

Audi sales highlights – January 2011

  • January 2011 ranks as the best January in Audi of America history, eclipsing the record set in 2010.
  • Audi A8 sales numbers skyrocket due to launch of redesigned 2011 Audi A8 flagship.
  • Five models within Audi lineup post gains of over 50% YOY.

Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 January sales and news notes

  • Audi Q5 sales in January second only to A4.
  • Audi Q5 sales up 50.9% for January YOY.
  • Audi Q7 sales up 59.8% for January YOY.

Audi A3, A6 and R8 January sales and news notes

  • Audi A3 sales rose 52.8% in January; A3 TDI represents 66% of sales mix.
  • Audi A6 luxury sedan sales up 17.2% YOY.
  • R8 sales record 83.7% uptick over January 2010.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned sales and news notes

  • January 2011 CPO sales of 2,232 units represent 32.1% YOY surge from 1,690 vehicles a year earlier.


ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its 277 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Over the next few years, AUDI AG expects to spend nearly $2 billion annually on new products and technology. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

AUDI US SNAPSHOT –YTD–
Model Line Jan ’11 Actual Jan ’10 Actual Yr/Yr % change Jan ’11 YTD Actual Jan ’10 YTD Actual Yr/Yr % change
A3 715 468 52.8% 715 468 52.8%
A4 2,483 2,763 -10.1% 2,483 2,763 -10.1%
A5 1,054 1,051 0.3% 1,054 1,051 0.3%
A6 594 507 17.2% 594 507 17.2%
A8 450 52 765.4% 450 52 765.4%
Audi Q5 1,584 1,050 50.9% 1,584 1,050 50.9%
Audi Q7 756 473 59.8% 756 473 59.8%
R8 79 43 83.7% 79 43 83.7%
TT 97 103 -5.8% 97 103 -5.8%
Total Audi Sales 7,812 6,510 20.0% 7,812 6,510 20.0%

NOTES:
- 2010 A4 numbers include Audi A4 sedan, Avant, and S4 models. 2009 A4 numbers include A4 cabriolet, which has been discontinued.
- 2011 and 2010 A5 numbers include Audi A5 cabriolet and coupe’ and S5 cabriolet and coupe’ models. 2009 A5 numbers do not include the cabriolet models.
- A6 includes Audi A6 sedan, S6 sedan and A6 Avant models.
- A8 includes Audi A8 sedan, A8L sedan, and S8 sedan models.
- TT includes Audi TT coupe’ and TT roadster models.

# # #

Four Audi models earn top marks in the Strategic Vision 2010 Total Value Index™

Posted on 26 January 2011 by

  • Audi Q7 led the Luxury SUV segment for the third straight year
  • Audi A8 named tops in Total Value among Luxury Cars; Audi TT Coupe and Audi A5 Cabriolet also recognized in their segments
  • The annual index measures total value from the ownership experience to financial costs

Four Audi models earned the highest scores in their categories, according to the newly released Strategic Vision 2010 Total Value Index. The Total Value Index measures the total value of a vehicle from the ownership experience to financial considerations, such as fuel economy, resale value and reliability. It’s a comprehensive study that Strategic Vision has issued for 14 years. In the 2010 report, Audi had more segment leaders than any other luxury car manufacturer. For the third consecutive year, the Audi Q7 took the top position in the Luxury SUV category. The Audi A8 won the Luxury Car Category, while the Audi A5 Cabriolet was named the top model among convertibles costing more than $30,000. The Audi TT Coupe turned in the best score in the category for Premium Coupes costing more than $28,000.

“Overall value is a key factor with today’s luxury car buyers,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “We recognize that future success depends on meeting the short-term and long-term value expectations of our customers.”

“Times are hard and people are working harder than ever,” said Christopher Chaney, Vice President, Strategic Vision. “Increasingly, shoppers will define value as more than the listed residual or resale value numbers, and include ’What am I getting now that I have spent tens of thousands of my hard earned dollars?´”

The Total Value Index was calculated from 111,212 buyers who bought models during September 2009 to June 2010.

The Audi A8 was selected as the Best Luxury Car for 2010, scoring high on in-vehicle technology and standard features, as well as fuel economy and value for money.

“Strategy in understanding customers for this segment is critical in order to compete,” said Strategic Vision President Alexander Edwards. “Like other Audi models, A8 is exceptionally impressive with technically innovative and standard equipment features.”

The Audi TT led the Premium Coupe category due to its fuel economy, perceived reliability and price/deal offered, surpassing the segment average by 50 points. The Audi A5 Cabriolet also represented a significant leadership role within the segment, seen as a substantial value for money vehicle that didn’t sacrifice premium characteristics.

The Audi Q7 led the Luxury SUV segment, earning high scores for technical innovations, perceived value, standard equipment and fuel economy.

Find more information on the Strategic Vision 2010 Total Value Index report by visiting StrategicVision.com.

ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its 277 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Between 2010 and 2012 the Audi Group is planning to invest around €5.5 billion, mainly in new products, in order to sustain the Company’s technological lead. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

# # #

Audi Launches Eco-Friendly Auto Show Initiative

Posted on 20 January 2011 by

  • Providing electronic product brochures began during ongoing auto show in Detroit
  • Visitors can download materials with QR code readers on smartphones
  • Effort expected to reduce printed materials by 90% during 2010-2011 auto show season alone

Audi has extended its commitment to technological innovation and environmental stewardship by giving auto show attendees the ability to have electronic brochures of Audi’s 2011 lineup delivered instantly to their mobile phones as an alternative to printed copies. The program officially launched during public days at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Audi has dramatically increased its focus on environmental awareness as seen in its revolutionary TDI clean diesel product line and its e-tron electric supercar. The move to digital distribution is expected to reduce the amount of printed material handed out at shows by up to 90% by the end of the 2010-2011 season. It’s also expected to have a considerable impact on the printing, shipping and distribution costs associated with delivering brochures to millions of attendees over the course of the auto show season.

Digital Collateral is providing the technology platform, which enables visitors with smartphones to scan special, 2-dimensional “QR” barcodes that have been placed next to each model on the show floor. Scanning a code adds that model’s brochure to an online library that can be viewed right from a phone, or from any computer after the show. Visitors without smartphones can send free SMS text messages to populate their libraries- so anyone capable of sending a text can make use of the platform. The service is complimentary, requires no pre-registration, and visitors’ personal information is never revealed.

“Audi has always sought to deliver a superior experience through superior technology. Digital Collateral’s software allows us to reach more consumers more efficiently, while simultaneously reducing the costs and environmental impact associated with delivering the information our customers want,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. “We look forward to finding new ways to use the Digital Collateral platform as the season progresses.”

“Digital Collateral is thrilled to partner with Audi for the 2010-2011 trade show season,” said Jaxon Repp, CEO of the Denver-based startup. “Audi customers are accustomed to having the very best technology at hand when they drive, and Digital Collateral is dedicated to making the most of the technology they have in their hands when they’re at the show. Mobile marketing is only as impactful as the message you deliver, and the product brochures, videos, and websites we’ll be delivering on behalf of Audi truly set them apart from everyone else at the show.”

Audi will continue to offer this service at major auto shows throughout the rest of the 2010-2011 season in the U.S.

ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its 276 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Between 2010 and 2012 the Audi Group is planning to invest around €5.5 billion, mainly in new products, in order to sustain the Company’s technological lead. Visit audiusa.com or audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

ABOUT DIGITAL COLLATERAL
Digital Collateral is the world’s simplest, most engaging mobile marketing platform. We can deliver an almost limitless variety of media to consumers at the moment of inspiration- capturing their attention and increasing engagement, and delivering the kind of real-time performance metrics previously only available to online marketers. Brands use Digital Collateral’s QR and SMS Codes in TV, Print, Radio, Out-of-Home, Trade Show and Direct Mail campaigns across the US and Canada. Visit digitalcollateral.com to learn more.

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Bradley  Stertz
Public Relations Manager, Corporate Communications (USA)
+1-703 364 7440