Audi 2009 Annual Report Download - page 8

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Editorial
2009 was a year we will remember for some very particular
reasons: It was the year we celebrated the 100th anniver-
sary of the Audi brand. But it was also a year of attempting
to stave off the worst of a global economic crisis. All
employees of the Audi Group pulled together in a concerted
effort to ensure that the Company’s stable foundation was
not undermined. We can now declare with pride that we
have come through this rough period with great success.
If the experience of recent months is anything to go by,
those companies prioritizing values such as tradition,
quality and a sense of responsibility have weathered the
storm much better than those looking for rapid but
equally fleeting success.
We have always viewed our work in the context of responsible
social action. With this philosophy and our thrilling premium
automobiles, our Company embodies a form of luxury that
goes beyond opulence and harmonizes with clear, enduring
values.
This year’s Annual Report also serves to illustrate this point.
Renowned authors portray life concepts that represent this
new take on luxury: setting time aside for the truly impor-
tant things in life. Pursuing your dreams. Creating the space
to explore your individuality.
I wish you an entertaining and interesting read.
Kind regards,
Rupert Stadler
Chairman of the Board of Management
Photos: Marc Trautmann (cover), Claudia Kempf, Armin Brosch (pages 8 and 9)