Audi 2007 Annual Report Download - page 143

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Audi is planning to push its sales of premium vehicles above the one-million mark by as
early as 2008. The Brussels plant in Belgium was integrated into the Audi manufacturing
network in early 2007 in order to guarantee the necessary manufacturing capacity.
Customer enthusiasm and image leader in emotion and quality
The focus of all activities at Audi is on delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that fully
live up to customers’ high expectations, as well as on offering exciting products that create
an emotional bond between customer and brand. One example is the e model line that was
launched during the past fiscal year. Aside from their very impressive fuel efficiency and
emission values, these cars offer the standard of sportiness that Audi customers have come
to expect and are tangible evidence of the “Vorsprung durch Technik” that typifies the
brand. This ultra-efficient vehicle concept has been received with great enthusiasm by cus-
tomers.
Audi again won numerous awards for vehicles in 2007. In one of the leading reader polls,
conducted by trade magazine auto motor und sport1), the Audi A3, Audi A6 and Audi Q7 all
earned the distinction of “Best Cars” in their respective categories. Four Audi models were
among the prizewinners in the “Auto Trophy 2007” awarded by trade magazine Auto Zei-
tung2): The Audi A3, Audi A4, Audi A6 and Audi R8. The brand with the four rings also en-
joyed notable success on the international stage. In China, the Company’s largest export
market, Audi came in at the top of the J.D. Power Asia Pacific Study3), which analyzes the
satisfaction of new car buyers, for the second year in a row. The Audi TT was proclaimed the
“2007 World Car Design of the Year” by a jury of renowned trade journalists from 22 coun-
tries.
Numerous motor-racing successes once more underscored the brand’s sporting creden-
tials in 2007. Audi repeated the legendary triumph of its R10 TDI diesel-powered racing car
in the Le Mans 24 Hours and racked up its fifth win in the German Touring Car Masters
(DTM) race series.
Substantial rise in profitability
Within the context of the Audi Group’s sustained rapid growth, its management is eager to
steadily improve the Company’s profitability in order to generate the necessary financial
resources for new, forward-looking capital investments. In addition to higher business vol-
ume, ongoing analysis and enhancement of all corporate processes play a major role in this
respect. Pioneering concepts such as the “Production Turntable” and modular toolkit sys-
tems increase the synergy benefits, helping to implement new vehicle concepts more cost-
effectively. The Company is also using systematic investment management to make opti-
mum use of the available financial resources.
Most attractive employer
Audi’s ambitious growth will also continue to hinge upon committed, highly qualified em-
ployees. One of the Company’s core strategic aims is therefore to become an even more
attractive employer. The associated activities include creating a working environment in
which a highly motivated team can continually develop. In addition to flexible working hour
programs, the Company offers performance-based remuneration and pays out a variable
share of its profit as a means of acknowledging the hard work and dedication of its employ-
ees.
1) Issue 04/2007, p. 120 ff.
2) Issue 26/2007, p. 78 ff.
3) J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2007 China Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) StudySM, press release dated July 30, 2007