Audi 2006 Annual Report Download - page 7

The Supervisory Board appointed Ulf Berkenhagen to the
Board of Management of AUDI AG as Mr. Schmitt’s successor
in charge of the “Purchasing” Division, with effect from Octo-
ber 1, 2006.
Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn left the Board of Management of
AUDI AG from the close of December 31, 2006. At its meeting
on December 6, 2006, the Supervisory Board of AUDI AG
appointed Rupert Stadler as the new Chairman of the Board of
Management with effect from January 1, 2007, initially in an act-
ing capacity. The Supervisory Board confirmed Rupert Stadler
in his function as Chairman of the Board of Management at a
special meeting on January 12, 2007, simultaneously ending
his status as acting Chairman. At the same special meeting,
the Supervisory Board in addition appointed two new mem-
bers to the Board of Management of AUDI AG.
With effect from January 12, 2007, Michael Dick assumed
responsibility for the “Technical Development” Division. On
February 1, 2007, Frank Dreves succeeded Prof. Dr. Jochem
Heizmann, who surrendered office on the company’s Board of
Management with effect from January 31, 2007. The Super-
visory Board thanks Prof. Dr. Heizmann for his successful work
at Audi over the past six years.
The Supervisory Board attaches particular importance to
the company management’s assessment of the future devel-
opment of the Audi Group.
The momentum of global economic growth will ease off
somewhat, in particular as a result of the anticipated eco-
nomic slowdown in the USA and in many European countries.
This is also likely to hold back the development in demand for
cars worldwide. The Board of Management has taken account
of the global macroeconomic conditions, which are also
prompting more intense competition in the car industry, in its
corporate strategy.
In an effort to make the Audi brand the most successful
premium brand in the world by 2015, the management and
workforce are therefore working intensively on expanding the
model range. In the first half of 2007, Audi is already unveiling
a number of highlights to take it closer to this objective:
the new TT Roadster, the R8 mid-engine sports car and
the uniquely designed Audi A5. In addition to increasing its
market share in existing markets, the Audi Board of Manage-
ment attaches particular emphasis to growth markets such as
China and India.
Over and above the statutory minimum requirements for its
role, the Supervisory Board will actively and constructively
continue to assist the Board of Management in achieving its
ambitious strategic goals.
Ingolstadt, February 23, 2007
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Martin Winterkorn
Chairman of the Supervisory Board
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Martin Winterkorn,
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AUDI AG
PHOTO: CLAUDIA KEMPF
5AUDI 2006 ANNUAL REPORT