Audi 2006 Annual Report Download - page 130

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Business and underlying situation
Company
As a manufacturer of high-quality, innovative cars, Audi is one of the world’s leading pre-
mium brands and is among the most admired on the world market. The basis of its success
comprises pioneering concepts in the domains of company management and advanced
technological development. The high expectations of its customers serve as the catalyst of a
continuing quest to find ever better solutions. Within the brand essence “Vorsprung durch
Technik”, this is expressed through the brand values sportiness, sophistication and progres-
siveness, which are thus manifestations of the Audi brand philosophy.
The customer experiences these values through the diverse range of models that en-
abled the Audi Group to expand on global car markets yet again in 2006, and thus further
strengthen its position.
Sales of Audi vehicles by market
2006 Share in %
Germany 257,792 28,5
Europe excluding Germany 400,671 44,3
USA 90,116 10,0
China 81,708 9,0
Other 74,901 8,2
Total 905,188 100,0
Group structure and principal group companies
The headquarters of the Audi Group, with the core areas Technical Development, Sales and
Administration, along with substantial parts of the production operations, are located in
Ingolstadt. The A3, A3 Sportback, A4 saloon and Avant, S4 saloon and Avant models and
also the bodyshells for the TT Coupé and TT Roadster are manufactured there.
The A6 saloon, Avant and allroad quattro, S6 saloon and Avant, A8, A8 W12, and S8 mod-
els are built at the second German plant in Neckarsulm. quattro GmbH, likewise based in
Neckarsulm, is a manufacturer of the RS range of high-performance vehicles and built the
RS 4 saloon and Avant models in the past financial year. This fully owned subsidiary of AUDI
AG has in addition been building the Audi R8 since autumn 2006; the new model will go on
sale in 2007. This thoroughbred mid-engined sports car is assembled on a high-quality craft
scale, creating a new landmark in the history of the Audi Group. The product range of quat-
tro GmbH in addition includes an extensive customisation range (e.g. S line, exclusive line)
for all Audi models, as well as sophisticated lifestyle articles associated with the Audi brand.
AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft. develops and builds engines for AUDI AG, other Volkswagen
Group companies and third parties at Gy őr, Hungary. Production of the TT Coupé and TT
Roadster furthermore takes place there. This company has also had its own toolmaking
shop since 2005. AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft. has emerged as one of Hungary’s largest
exporters and highest-revenue enterprises.
M anagem ent Report of the Audi Gro up
fo r the 2 0 0 6 fina ncia l ye ar
The Group