2009 Audi Q7

AUDI Q7 TAKES TOP RANKING IN 2008 SMARTGREEN INDEX

- New Strategic Vision index measures the perceived quality, overall value and environmental impact of vehicles sold in America
- The Audi Q7 earned the highest marks in the luxury SÚV category
- Results are based on responses from 44,230 Ú.S. buyers of 2008-2009 models

The Audi Q7 luxury sport-utility vehicle earned the highest rating in its category under a new consumer sentiment index aimed at identifying the smartest 'green' choices available to Ú.S. consumers.

This is the first year for the SmartGreen Index?, or SGI?, tabulated by the San Diego-based marketing research firm Strategic Vision. The index is based on actual customer experiences with perceived quality, overall value (the 'Smart' components) and performance on environmental measures, such as fuel economy (the 'Green' component). Strategic Vision weighs customer responses to find trends that would best predict customer advocacy, owner satisfaction, brand loyalty and, in the end, model and nameplate sales.

The Audi Q7 stood out in those measures among all 2008-model and 2009-model luxury SÚVs.

'This recognition provides further proof that Audi vehicles overall, and the Audi Q7 in particular, offer exceptional satisfaction and long-term value,' said Audi of America Executive Vice President Johan de Nysschen. 'It also clearly reinforces Audi's commitment to provide environmentally sensitive vehicle choices throughout our model lineup.'

Strategic Vision said the 2008 index digs into consumer data to find the few models that provide 'a meaningful emotional connection' with Ú.S. consumers. Simply claiming the best fuel-efficiency numbers, a hybrid power plant or strong customer-satisfaction scores isn't enough, Strategic Vision officials explained.

'When customers do not have to compromise their desired vehicle styling, roominess, power and price to obtain the best fuel economy and environmental friendliness in class they have made the SmartGreen? choice,' said Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision's automotive division.

Source - Audi

Mileage Marathon: Perfection in Efficiency

- Third stage of this large-scale road test ends in Las Vegas
- Outstanding results from the Audi A4 3.0 TDI
- Audi Q7 with ultra low emission system confirms TDI lead

The Audi Mileage Marathon is now into its third, decisive stage: when the fleet of 23 vehicles reaches Las Vegas, it will have completed about three-quarters of the total distance. In each successive stage, these cars from four Audi model lines have confirmed their exceptional fuel economy. The excellent results from the Audi A4 3.0 TDI quattro set a fine example: although its V6 TDI engine performs so well, its fuel consumption has been as low as 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers (44.38 ÚS mpg) on many sections of the route.

The Audi A4 is not only the sportiest midsize sedan you can buy, but also a convincing high-efficiency package. Its fuel consumption figures during the Mileage Marathon prove Audi's modular efficiency technologies to be highly effective. They include energy recuperation when braking, a controlled cooling circuit and demand-responsive pump control. The impressive fuel economy of the Audi A4 perfectly matches its sporty, dynamic character, with 176 kW (240 hp) and up to 500 Newton-meters (369 lb-ft) of torque at the driver's disposal.

The cars tackling the Mileage Marathon don't have an easy time. On the third stage from Denver to Las Vegas, they had to tackle all the varied challenges that this huge country has to offer. When they crossed the Rocky Mountains, there was snow at the roadside, and on the mountain passes, which can be up to 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) high, icy patches slowed the cars down. The next day, the Marathon entrants crossed Monument Valley and were close to the Grand Canyon, and as they approached Las Vegas temperatures rose again, sometimes to more than 30°C (86°F).

As the Mileage Marathon continues, the new Audi Q7 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system emphasizes the TDI principle's technological lead. These seven-seat SÚVs are recording best fuel consumption figures well below eight liters per 100 kilometers (29.40 ÚS mpg) - and as the world's cleanest diesels, they have an exhaust emission control system that already complies with the Euro 6 standard not scheduled to come into force until 2014. The new Audi Q5 3.0 TDI 'performance SÚV' is equally convincing, with best fuel consumption figures between 6.2 and 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers (36.19 and 37.94 ÚS mpg). And the compact Audi A3 2.0 TDI with S tronic transmission regularly shows itself to be content with well below five liters per 100 kilometers (47.04 ÚS mpg).

The fourth and final stage of the Mileage Marathon takes the cars through Death Valley to California. They will reach their destination in Santa Monica, near Los Angeles, on Sunday. This tough long-distance test started in New York. Measurement of the cars' fuel consumption is supervised by the ÚS motor sport association IMSA.

Source - Audi

Audi Q7, A3 Earn Top Honors in Strategic Vision Total Value Index®

- Audi Q7 tops recent luxury SÚV winners from Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and BMW
- Audi finishes 1-2 in the luxury multi-function segment with the A3 and A4/S4 Avant
- Economic uncertainty has consumers seeking out overall value in new vehicles

The Audi Q7 earned recognition as the best luxury SÚV and the Audi A3 claimed the top ranking among luxury multi-function vehicles in the just-released 2008 Total Value Index® produced by the consumer research firm Strategic Vision.

The annual Total Value Index blends what consumers say about their vehicles (in terms of expected reliability, expected fuel economy, price paid and expected resale value) with various ownership measures calculated by Strategic Vision. In determining the 2008 Index scores, the San Diego-based research firm found clear evidence that consumers are looking for the best pricing along with quality cues that would indicate a vehicle's long-term value.

'These results reinforce the market's shift toward experiences Audi offers in terms of performance and technology, luxurious features and efficiency,' said Audi of America Inc. Executive Vice President Johan de Nysschen. 'We believe the long-term value of owning Audi models will be a difference maker as these economic times lead consumers to rethink their luxury-vehicle options.'

Strategic Vision noted that consumers are giving greater scrutiny to their vehicles, which it said opens up opportunities. 'When economic conditions become more favorable, the manufacturers who have focused their efforts in enhancing product quality and communicating messages of trustworthy products and overall value will be in a position to regain, and even take over new, market share,' said Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision's automotive division.

In the Total Value Index's luxury SÚV segment, the Audi Q7 outpaced recent winners in the category - the Mercedes-Benz GL and ML models, the Lexus GX 470 and the BMW X5 - on the basis of standard equipment, technical innovations and affordability in its class. In the luxury multi-function category, Audi claimed the top two positions with the A3 followed closely by the A4/S4 Avant models. Strategic Vision touted the A3 for its standard equipment, innovation and pricing.

Source - Audi

Audi helps to reduce carbon footprint at Miami International Film Festival with Q7 TDI clean diesel fleet

As the exclusive automotive partner of the Miami International Film Festival, Audi is providing a fleet of Audi Q7 TDI clean diesel SÚVs to shuttle the Festival's guests. These SÚVS will help reduce the event's overall carbon footprint. Throughout the 10 days of the Festival, celebrities, filmmakers and key industry professionals are enjoying this environmentally friendly mode of transportation on their way to film screenings, talks and after parties. Audi demonstrates its commitment to the arts, design and corporate philanthropy through partnerships such as MIFF, Design Miami/ and the Costume Designers Guild Awards, as well as past and present global charitable relationships with the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Best Buddies International. Miami, as a cultural crossroads in America, is of particular importance to the German luxury automotive brand.
Audi recently inaugurated the 're:design Simpson Park' project, in conjunction with the City of Miami, to revitalize one of the city's oldest green hammocks.

Source - Audi

Four Audi Models Earn 2009 Consumer Guide® Automotive Praise

- The Audi A5 is identified as a 'Best Buy' in the Premium Sporty/Performance list
- The Audi A3, Q7 and A8 are 'Recommended' in their individual categories
- Evaluations were made by four Consumer Guide Automotive editors using an 11-point process
Four 2009 Audi models merited spots on the new Consumer Guide Automotive list of the top vehicles for car shoppers to consider.




'Our core mission at Audi is to offer vehicles that consistently deliver top value to the most discriminating car buyers,' said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. 'We're gratified that the editors at Consumer Guide have again recognized the value in a range of Audi products.'

Consumer Guide Automotive is posting the awards on http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/, and will publish the results in the February 2009 issue of Consumer Guide Automotive's Car & Truck Test Auto magazine.



About Audi of America

Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally. Last year AÚDI AG recorded its 12th consecutive record year for sales and profit growth. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

Source - Audi