
Press Release
Annual Press Conference 2010: Audi 2009 Annual Report: "Rethinking Luxury"
- AUDI AG continues successful magazine concept
- “Rethinking Luxury” as the guiding theme
- Online version brings the stories to life in virtual form
INGOLSTADT, Germany,
Mar 9, 2010
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Despite the global economic and financial crisis the Audi Group is able to look back on a successful 2009 – thanks in part to its responsible, sustainable actions. Specifically values such as tradition, quality and a sense of responsibility have come to enjoy renewed significance in society once again. The Audi 2009 Annual Report, which was published at today’s Annual Press Conference, picks up on this idea. In the magazine section, renowned authors present articles that reflect a new understanding of luxury. In the financial section, strong figures demonstrate how successfully the Audi Group has steered a course through the crisis.
The Audi 2009 Annual Report explores the headline theme of “Rethinking Luxury. A changing system of values: inspiration for a new lifestyle.” from a wide variety of perspectives. The authors engagingly describe the different aspects of a new, timely, understanding of luxury: setting aside time for the truly important things in life. Pursuing your dreams. Creating the space to explore your individuality.
The articles also illustrate how the Audi brand, with its corporate philosophy and fascinating premium cars, is in harmony with this idea of clear, enduring values.
Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, goes to Milan to meet Andrea Perrone, CEO of the fashion house Brioni. At Brioni’s headquarters they discuss changing values, the new definition of luxury and the characteristics that the two brands have in common: quality, tradition and a hunger for new ideas. In a further encounter, Board Member for Finance and Organization Axel Strotbek discusses entrepreneurial and ecological responsibility with globalization expert Prof. Dr. Dr. Franz Josef Radermacher.
One particular highlight of this year's Annual Report is a remarkable fashion story: Four graduates from the renowned Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London interpreted the character of four Audi models and translated them into extravagant outfits. The Parisian photographer Grégoire Alexandre then created an artistic ambiance for the Audi A1, the Audi A3 Cabriolet, the Audi A5 Sportback and the Audi A8 to present both model and its outfit in appropriate style.
Audi first explored this novel concept of an annual report comprising magazine and financial section in 2005, and since then has won several international awards. Last July, the Audi 2008 Annual Report was voted the best annual report of the year by Forum Corporate Publishing e.V. Audi has therefore already won the biggest competition for corporate communications in Europe twice. The same accolade had previously been bestowed on the 2007 Annual Report. The online Audi 2008 Annual Report was also a success, being awarded both the prestigious reddot communication design award and the iF communication design award among others.
The latest Audi Annual Report is appearing in a total print run of more than 90,000 copies, in the languages German, English and Chinese. Alongside the print version, an interactive online version takes the reader on a virtual trip through the Annual Report. The stories in the magazine section can be followed in audio and video features and slideshows at www.audi.com/ar2009: How did the young designers transform inspiration into creation? What senses are awakened when driving through the wild landscape of Galicia in the R8 Spyder? A modern navigation principle (push & swipe interfaces) on the start page creates a three-dimensional room. Rather like the touch controls on an Apple iPhone, all the content can be selected, zoomed in and fast-forwarded at the click of a mouse.
Annual Press Conference 2010 in Ingolstadt - Evening Event at Audi museum mobile. Rallye Legend Stig Blomqvist, Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG and Pink Floyd Drummer Nick Mason
Annual Press Conference 2010 in Ingolstadt - Evening Event at Audi museum mobile. Rallye Legend Stig Blomqvist, Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG and Pink Floyd Drummer Nick Mason
Annual Press Conference 2010 in Ingolstadt - Evening Event at Audi museum mobile. The Chefs Christian Surrow, Norbert Niederkofler, Kolja Kleeberg and Reto Mattis
Annual Press Conference 2010 in Ingolstadt - Evening Event at Audi museum mobile. Pink Floyd Drummer Nick Mason
Annual Press Conference 2010 in Ingolstadt - Evening Event at Audi museum mobile. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG and Rallye Legend Stig Blomqvist
Annual Press Conference 2010 in Ingolstadt - Evening Event at Audi museum mobile. Star Chef Kolja Kleeberg at the Evening Event of the Annual Press Conference of AUDI 2010
Board of Management of AUDI AG (from left): Ulf Berkenhagen (Procurement), Frank Dreves (Production), Peter Schwarzenbauer (Marketing und Sales) Dr. Werner Widuckel (Human Resources);Rupert Stadler (Chairman of Board of Management), Michael Dick (Technical Development); Axel Strotbek (Finance and Organization)
The Board of Management of AUDI AG besides the new Audi A1 (from left to right): Michael Dick, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development, Dr. Werner Widuckel, Member of the Board of Management Human Resources, Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management Finance and Organisation, Ulf Berkenhagen, Member of the Board of Management Purchasing, Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management Marketing and Sales, Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management and Frank Dreves, Member of the Board of Management for Production
Audi Urban Future Award: The urban life of the future will inevitably necessitate a careful examination of sustainable energy management and adapted forms of mobility. As a globally active automobile manufacturer, AUDI AG is aware of the responsibility it carries with respect to this development. With the Audi Urban Future Award, Audi is promoting architectural and urban planning visions. Six international architectural firms are participating in the competition for the most highly remunerated German architectural award.
Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management Finance and Organisation of AUDI AG is presenting the Annual Report on the iPhone
Audi Urban Future Award: The urban life of the future will inevitably necessitate a careful examination of sustainable energy management and adapted forms of mobility. As a globally active automobile manufacturer, AUDI AG is aware of the responsibility it carries with respect to this development. With the Audi Urban Future Award, Audi is promoting architectural and urban planning visions. Six international architectural firms are participating in the competition for the most highly remunerated German architectural award.
Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management Marketing and Sales of AUDI AG
Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management and Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management Finance and Organisation
Dr. Werner Widuckel, Member of the Board of Management Human Resources and Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG
The Board of Management of AUDI AG besides the new Audi A1 (from left to right): Michael Dick, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development, Dr. Werner Widuckel, Member of the Board of Management Human Resources, Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management Finance and Organisation, Ulf Berkenhagen, Member of the Board of Management Purchasing, Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management Marketing and Sales, Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management and Frank Dreves, Member of the Board of Management for Production
Culture: Since becoming a main sponsor of the Salzburg Festival in 1995, Audi has given its support to a variety of new operatic and theatrical productions, concerts of contemporary music, and the construction of the "House for Mozart."
Sailing: AUDI AG goes sailing 2010. The brand from Ingolstadt is Premium Sponsor of the Audi MedCup and will be the premium partner in the capital of sailing, Kiel (Kiel Week)
AUDI AG has clearly stated its support for the needs of handicapped people. Dr.Werner Widuckel, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources,and Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council, welcome members of the two soccer fan clubs ?Rollwagerl 93? and ?Schanzer Rollis? when they visited the Audi Forum Ingolstadt. AUDI AG employs about 2,400 handicapped people, 5.7 percent of the total workforce and therefore above the figure called for by law
Winter sport: Audi regards its involvement in winter sport as an important platform to inform an international public about the brand?s sportiness and dynamism.
Frank Dreves, Member of theBoard of Management for Production and head of Audi Environmental Foundation at Audi Site Ingolstadt, Combined Heat, Power and Cold (CHPC) generation plant.
In 2010, the DTM, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the customer sport program with the Audi R8 LMS will be the three cornerstones of AUDI AG?s motorsport commitment. By participating in the inaugural ?Le Mans Intercontinental Cup? Audi has opted for a new, forward-thinking racing series in which alternative drive concepts will be used.
Culture: Kent Nagano and the Bavarian State Orchestra in 2009, during the Audi Summer Concerts in Ingolstadt: Since this festival was stated in 1990, Audi has organized over 300 concerts, which have been attended by more than a quarter of a million people.
In the golf area, one of the main landmarks in 2010 is the 20th anniversary of the Audi quattro Cup, one of the most popular series of tournaments for the ambitious leisure golfer.
Culture: The virtuosic Chinese pianist Lang Lang is worldwide cultural ambassador for the Audi brand. Lang Lang after the general rehearsal on the official ceremony commemorating 100 years of the Audi brand on July 16, 2009 (Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro).
Culture: Regional cultural commitment enjoys a high priority at Audi. The car manufacturer uses a variety of sponsorships and own events to express its sense of socio-cultural responsibility to company locations.
Audi Tradition: In the 1980s Michèle Mouton, Stig Blomqvist, Hannu Mikkola and Walter Röhrl, driving the Audi quattro, wrote a new chapter in rally history culminating in two manufacturers? and drivers? world championship titles.
Soccer: ?Vorsprung durch Technik? accompanies many players, trainers and officials of leading European soccer clubs in their daily lives. Audi?s partners include Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich. In 2009 AUDI AG organized the Audi Cup for the first time: it was won by FC Bayern Munich.
Sports Partner: In February 2010 AUDI AG became Olympic Partner of the German Olympic Sports Association (DOSB) and National Promoter of the German Handicapped Persons? Sport Association.
Winter sport: Audi regards its involvement in winter sport as an important platform to inform an international public about the brand?s sportiness and dynamism.
At both of Audi?s German locations the trainees themselves plan, organize and carry out joint social and cultural projects. For instance, they build seats for old people to rest when taking a walk (picture), renovate used children?s playground equipment or support a ?sound theater? project.
Audi Tradition: In March 1980, a sporty coupé with four-wheel-drive on the Audi stand caused a great sensation at the Geneva Motor Show: Audi quattro. The idea to develop such a four-wheel-drive passenger car had first come about in winter 1976/1977 during test drives for the VW Iltis, an off-road vehicle in development at Audi for the German Army. The quattro driveline is now installed in around 33 percent of all Audi cars produced. Over three million quattro vehicles have been built since 1980.
In 2010, the DTM, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the customer sport program with the Audi R8 LMS will be the three cornerstones of AUDI AG?s motorsport commitment. By participating in the inaugural ?Le Mans Intercontinental Cup? Audi has opted for a new, forward-thinking racing series in which alternative drive concepts will be used.
In 2009, 481 young people began their working careers in Ingolstadt and another 241 at the Audi location in Neckarsulm. Compared with the previous year, Audi increased the number of trainee placements by 40. To celebrate ?100 Years of Audi? it also recruited 100 additional trainees to start in 2010. Photo: the Audi Training Center in Ingolstadt ? basic training in lathe operation.
Audi A3: Efficiency and sportiness are not mutually exclusive for Audi. This philosophy is embodied by the A3 TDI, which won the Green Car of the Year award at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2010. The Audi A3 TDI with an output of 103 kW (140 hp) triumphed over all competing vehicles with hybrid or diesel powertrains. This is the second consecutive year that a diesel vehicle has now won this coveted American accolade.
Audi R8 Spyder: Even before the car?s market launch, readers of the German automotive magazine ?Auto Zeitung? had voted to award the ?Auto Trophy? in the ?Convertibles over 30,000 euros? category to the Audi R8 Spyder. The Audi R8 Spyder also came out on top in the ?Convertibles? section of the ?Best Cars of 2010? readers poll organized by the ?auto motor und sport? (ams) magazine ? the first time it had been up for selection. The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro, including its Audi Space Frame (ASF), is largely hand-built by quattro GmbH at the Neckarsulm plant.
Audi A8 4.2 FSI quattro: Audi is bringing the next generation of the A8 to the starting line. The new flagship demonstrates the brand?s clear ?Vorsprung durch Technik? with its light aluminum body, its powerful and highly efficient engines. The fuel consumption of each of the engines available has been substantially reduced by as much as 22 percent. The 3.0 TDI with front-wheel drive to follow later emits only 159 grams of CO2 per kilometer (255.89 g/mile), and with 6.0 liters of fuel per 100 km (39.20 US mpg), it boasts the best fuel economy in the luxury segment. The new A8 has set the bar at new heights with regard to multimedia technology. Its multimedia interface (MMI) navigation plus features among other innovations, a highly evolved operating concept incorporating a touchpad ? known as MMI touch.
Audi Q7 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro: When it was first rolled out four years ago, the Audi Q7 performance SUV immediately achieved a leadership position ? as a sporty, comfortable as well as high-performance recreational and business vehicle on a grand scale. Now Audi is making it even better ? more elegant and more efficient, with lower emissions: the Q7 3.0 TDI consumes only 9.1 liters per 100 kilometers (25.85 US mpg). And it?s also available in a new version as a TDI clean diesel, with the world?s cleanest diesel technology and even lower fuel consumption of only 8.9 liters/100 km (26.43 US mpg).
Audi RS 5: Developed by quattro GmbH, the RS models comprise the dynamic spearhead of Audi?s model range. The RS 5 is the latest torchbearer in a tradition dating back over 15 years to the RS 2 Avant: superior handling in the mid-size class. The high-revving 4.2-liter V8 with its 331 kW (450 hp) unleashes powerful performance of the coupé while achieving remarkable fuel economy. The ultra-powerful eight-cylinder engine averages 10.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (21.78 miles US mpg).
Audi A4 allroad quattro: Audi has continued its success story in the ?Best Cars of 2010? readers? poll conducted by the magazine ?auto motor und sport? (ams). Readers voted three Audi models ? the Audi A4, R8 Spyder and Audi Q5 ? into first place in their categories. And in the ?Midsize class? category, the Audi A4 was the undisputed number one for the third successive occasion.
Audi A4 2.0 TDI e: Audi has continued its success story in the ?Best Cars of 2010? readers? poll conducted by the magazine ?auto motor und sport? (ams). Readers voted three Audi models ? the Audi A4, R8 Spyder and Audi Q5 ? into first place in their categories. And in the ?Midsize class? category, the Audi A4 was the undisputed number one for the third successive occasion.
Audi A6 allroad quattro: The Audi A6 has been awarded the title ?Best of all Classes? (88.1 percent) for the second time in a row according to the results of the Faults Report 2010 published by the inspection company DEKRA.
Audi TT RS Roadster: The Audi TT ?Coupé and Roadster alike ? embodies pure dynamism in terms of design, engine output, and performance. The first-generation TT has already achieved cult status ? and the second generation is writing the next chapter in the success story. The Audi TT RS is ?Sports Car of the Year 2009? in the category ?Production Coupés.? The prize was awarded by a jury from the Auto Bild SportsCars monthly.
Audi A1: International star Justin Timberlake unveiled the new Audi A1 during the 80th Geneva Motor Show together with Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management AUDI AG.
Audi TT RS Coupé: The Audi TT ?Coupé and Roadster alike ? embodies pure dynamism in terms of design, engine output, and performance. The first-generation TT has already achieved cult status ? and the second generation is writing the next chapter in the success story. The Audi TT RS is ?Sports Car of the Year 2009? in the category ?Production Coupés.? The prize was awarded by a jury from the Auto Bild SportsCars monthly.
Audi A5 Coupé: The Audi A5 Coupé was the winner of Germany?s highest official design prize in the category ?Design Award ? Product Design Gold.? The German Design Council presented the ?Design Prize of the Federal Republic of Germany 2010? to AUDI AG. The customers also appreciate the design of the A5. Between its market launch in June 2007 and the end of February 2010, Audi has delivered about 129,000 units of the A5 Coupé to customers worldwide.
Audi A8 hybrid: Audi presented the A8 hybrid as a technology concept at the Geneva Motor Show
Audi A5 Cabriolet: The Audi A5 Coupé was the winner of Germany?s highest official design prize in the category ?Design Award ? Product Design Gold.? The German Design Council presented the ?Design Prize of the Federal Republic of Germany 2010? to AUDI AG. The customers also appreciate the design of the A5. Between its market launch in June 2007 and the end of February 2010, Audi has delivered about 129,000 units of the A5 Coupé to customers worldwide.
Audi A1: Audi will be the first manufacturer to offer a premium car in the subcompact segment by launching the Audi A1. A young target group will experience new standards of quality, technology, and design. Readers of the British motoring magazine ?What Car?? have voted the new Audi A1 as the ?Most Exciting Car of 2010? before its world premiere. The market launch is planned for the late summer of 2010. All versions of the A1 feature strong performance with low fuel consumption ranging between 3.8 and 5.4 liters per 100 kilometers (43.56 and 61.90 US mpg). The engine with the best fuel economy is the 1.6 TDI with 90 hp and manual transmission. It emits only 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer (159.33 grams per mile).
Audi R8 Spyder: Even before the car?s market launch, readers of the German automotive magazine ?Auto Zeitung? had voted to award the ?Auto Trophy? in the ?Convertibles over 30,000 euros? category to the Audi R8 Spyder. The Audi R8 Spyder also came out on top in the ?Convertibles? section of the ?Best Cars of 2010? readers poll organized by the ?auto motor und sport? (ams) magazine ? the first time it had been up for selection. The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro, including its Audi Space Frame (ASF), is largely hand-built by quattro GmbH at the Neckarsulm plant.
Audi Q5: The Q5 is 4.63 meters (15.19 ft) long and 1.88 meters (6.17 ft) wide, but only 1.65 meters (5.41 ft) high ? giving it the sportiest proportions in its field of direct competitors. Thanks to intelligent lightweight design, good aerodynamics, innovative technologies, and streamlined production, the Audi Q5 has won the renowned Euro Car Body Award. In 2010 readers of the ?OFF ROAD? magazine have selected the Audi Q5 as the off-road vehicle of the year in the SUV category.
Audi A8: Audi is bringing the next generation of the A8 to the starting line. The new flagship demonstrates the brand?s clear ?Vorsprung durch Technik? with its light aluminum body, its powerful and highly efficient engines. The fuel consumption of each of the engines available has been substantially reduced by as much as 22 percent. The 3.0 TDI with front-wheel drive to follow later emits only 159 grams of CO2 per kilometer (255.89 g/mile), and with 6.0 liters of fuel per 100 km (39.20 US mpg), it boasts the best fuel economy in the luxury segment. The new A8 has set the bar at new heights with regard to multimedia technology. Its multimedia interface (MMI) navigation plus features among other innovations, a highly evolved operating concept incorporating a touchpad ? known as MMI touch.
Audi A3 Cabriolet: Efficiency and sportiness are not mutually exclusive for Audi. This philosophy is embodied by the A3 TDI, which won the Green Car of the Year award at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2010. The Audi A3 TDI with an output of 103 kW (140 hp) triumphed over all competing vehicles with hybrid or diesel powertrains. This is the second consecutive year that a diesel vehicle has now won this coveted American accolade.
Audi A1 S line: Audi will be the first manufacturer to offer a premium car in the subcompact segment by launching the Audi A1. A young target group will experience new standards of quality, technology, and design. Readers of the British motoring magazine ?What Car?? have voted the new Audi A1 as the ?Most Exciting Car of 2010? before its world premiere. The market launch is planned for the late summer of 2010. All versions of the A1 feature strong performance with low fuel consumption ranging between 3.8 and 5.4 liters per 100 kilometers (43.56 and 61.90 US mpg). The engine with the best fuel economy is the 1.6 TDI with 90 hp and manual transmission. It emits only 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer (159.33 grams per mile).
Audi RS 5: Developed by quattro GmbH, the RS models comprise the dynamic spearhead of Audi?s model range. The RS 5 is the latest torchbearer in a tradition dating back over 15 years to the RS 2 Avant: superior handling in the mid-size class. The high-revving 4.2-liter V8 with its 331 kW (450 hp) unleashes powerful performance of the coupé while achieving remarkable fuel economy. The ultra-powerful eight-cylinder engine averages 10.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (21.78 miles US mpg).
Audi A6: The Audi A6 has been awarded the title ?Best of all Classes? (88.1 percent) for the second time in a row according to the results of the Faults Report 2010 published by the inspection company DEKRA.
Environmental Protection: AUDI AG is bolstering its commitment to environmental protection. The Ingolstadt-based carmaker has established the Audi Environmental Foundation, which has an endowment of ? 5 million. This foundation will focus exclusively on environmentally minded pursuits for the common good. Audi started with planting 36,000 oak trees near Ingolstadt to kick-off a unique research initiative: Together with the Bavarian State Forestry and the Chair of Forest Yield Science at the Technical University of Munich, Audi has launched the ?Oak Forest CO2 Reservoir? research project.










