Audi 2007 Annual Report Download - page 161

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Distribution of the new Audi A4 Sedan started in November 2007. Equipped with a huge
array of technological innovations, new efficient powertrain versions and a unique design,
this model sets the benchmark in the midsize category. The new Audi A4 Avant will follow in
the first half of the current year. Despite the model changeover, demand for models in the
Audi A4 car line (Sedan, Avant and Cabriolet) remained satisfyingly high at 317,212 (331,951)
units.
The Audi A5 Coupé, which made a very successful market entry in June 2007, acquired
two further powertrain versions in September. The 3.2 FSI quattro with manual transmission
develops 195 kW (265 hp). The 1.8 TFSI entry-level model with an output of 125 kW (170 hp)
is a notably efficient version. The total number of Audi A5 Coupés delivered to customers
had already reached 18,553 (232) by the end of December.
The Audi A6 car line repeated its huge success from the year before, with sales totaling
234,215 (234,582) vehicles. The development of demand for the Audi A6 allroad quattro was
particularly pleasing, rising by an impressive 59.4 percent. The new Audi RS 6 Avant will
begin appearing on markets this April. This high-performance model is outfitted with a
newly developed 10-cylinder engine featuring FSI direct fuel injection and twin turbocharg-
ers, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and sports suspension with Dynamic Ride Control. It
is thrillingly and uncompromisingly sporty, yet eminently suitable for everyday use.
In the premium SUV segment, the Audi Q7 maintained its impressive growth in 2007,
with unit sales reaching 81,775 (52,771) vehicles. A version incorporating a 4.2 liter TDI en-
gine, currently the most powerful diesel SUV in the world, appeared last March.
The multiple award-winning Audi A8 car line was systematically refined last year. A more
precise driving feel, an even better ride and acoustic comfort, as well as subtle enhance-
ments to its design and interior underscore the exceptional status of the sportiest sedan in
the luxury category. There is also a particularly efficient version available in the form of the
new Audi A8 2.8 FSI e, which achieves average emissions of 199 g of CO2/km with a power
output of 154 kW (210 hp). Even though the model facelift did not appear on the market until
the third quarter of 2007, sales of this luxury sedan reached the previous year’s excellent
level at 21,362 (22,601) units.
Demand for the Audi R8 mid-engine sports car that was brought to market in early 2007
exceeded all expectations. By December, customers had already accepted deliveries of 2,952
(108) of these emotion-packed models that are the very embodiment of Audi’s “Vorsprung
durch Technik” thanks to their innumerable technological innovations.
In addition to the Audi brand, Italian super sports car manufacturer Lamborghini was ex-
tremely successful as well. Vehicle sales were higher than ever before in 2007. Sales of the
Gallardo car line, which was extended to include the Superleggera model early in the year,
rose by 11.4 percent to 1,793 (1,610) sports cars. The top-of-the-line Murciélago recorded
sales of 613 (477) units, a year-on-year increase of 28.5 percent.
Qualification initiative for Audi dealers
During the past fiscal year, the first 40 Audi dealerships completed the qualification pro-
gram launched by AUDI AG in 2006.
This modular program examines all areas of an Audi dealer’s business and then develops
customized measures hand in hand with the dealer. The focus is on aspects that include
economic efficiency, customer satisfaction and the quality of repairs and services. Even
after successfully completing the implementation phase, all dealerships continue to receive
long-term backup to ensure that improvements are maintained long-term. Initial assess-
ments indicated that the improvements in the above focal areas were as high as 50 percent.