Audi 2006 Annual Report Download - page 40

ECONOMY: THE CUSTOMISED PRODUCT
PHOTOS: QUATTRO GMBH
38 AUDI 2006 ANNUAL REPORT
Stylish allure
quattro GmbH is fulfilling the individual wishes of modern car buyers
Choice materials, meticulously finished, introduce
a special flair both tangibly and visually.
The modern-day car buyer is increasingly looking for individ-
uality, exclusivity and sports appeal. With an attractive
range of high-performance vehicles, exclusive customisa-
tion options, dynamic sports packages and lifestyle articles
typical of the brand, quattro GmbH has set itself the goal of
meeting ideally every customer requirement. And the sur-
prising thing is that virtually everything is indeed possible.
Nor is it necessarily a complicated business. The customer
need merely visit their nearest Audi dealer.
The range of products and services available from
quattro GmbH spans four business areas:
Audi RS models supply technically and aesthetically
uncompromising high-performance vehicles with built-
in sportiness, developed for customers who want a high-
performance sports car without having to forgo everyday
suitability, commensurate comfort and convenience, and
top quality standards. The new flagship sports car, the
Audi R8, is likewise manufactured by quattro GmbH.
The S line sports packages respond to demand for extra
sports appeal. They are tailored specifically to the individual
Audi model and are clearly distinguished from the standard
equip
ment lines by their particularly sporty features.
Audi exclusive enables people to customise their Audi in line
with their personal preferences. Customers can choose from
twelve different leather colours, available in the two leather
grades Valcona and Fine Nappa, plus Alcantara in nine
colour versions. The stitching is available in a free choice of
colours. To match the leather, the inlays on the instrument
panel, centre console and doors can be given an individual
touch with fine woods. Every wood element is sanded by
hand, then stained, varnished and polished – a process
almost as intricate as crafting a violin. For the bodywork,
customers can obtain special paint finishes in virtually any
colour of their choice, provided the paint can be formulated
on a water-soluble basis to ensure that it is environmentally
compatible. Distinctive alloy wheels and special items of
office equipment can in addition be ordered.
Audi lifestyle articles supply an extensive range of goods
for individualists. After all, many car customers expect
more than “just” a car from their favourite brand. Lifestyle
articles from quattro GmbH enable them to express their
affinity for Audi in ways other than through the comprehen-
sive range of Audi models, and benefit from the expertise
of the brand with the four rings in many other product
areas too.