Audi 2010 Annual Report Download - page 185

183
Management Report
132 Audi Group
141 Business and underlying
situation
156 Financial performance
indicators
159 Social and ecological aspects
173 Risks, opportunities
and outlook
173 Risk report
179 Report on post-balance sheet
date events
179 Report on expected
developments
183 Disclaimer
Audi A6 car line is one of the major product events in the period in question. The Audi Q3 will in
addition increase the range of premium SUV models. Having already made a very successful
market entry, the Audi A1 car line will be extended by the arrival of new, attractive variants.
The Company wants to continue to demonstrate its “Vorsprung durch Technik” through a great
many automotive innovations. There are immense opportunities to develop, for example, compe-
tition-beating technologies that pave the way for electric mobility. The Audi Group has both the
necessary infrastructure and suitably trained specialists and engineers to carve out a technological
advantage in this domain.
The Audi brand has seen its recognition and popularity ratings rise sharply over the past few years.
The four rings are now regarded as being synonymous with innovation, quality, sportiness and
efficiency in many sales markets. This brand image gives the Company an opportunity to build
effectively on its qualitative growth in the years ahead.
It plans to increase its market shares yet further in key sales markets. In markets that are already
saturated, the Audi Group intends to step up its efforts to defend and strengthen its outstand-
ing position in the premium segment. There are bright growth prospects for the Audi brand
especially in the United States.
The Company aims to maintain its very good performance in young, burgeoning growth markets
over the next two years. It will be giving prime importance to the Indian and Chinese car markets,
where the Audi brand actively seeks to tap into their huge growth potential by extending the
exclusive Audi dealer and service network and tailoring the range of vehicles available to local
requirements.
In addition to the strategic determinants, external factors could create opportunities for the
Audi Group. The global economic environment and the associated demand for premium vehicles,
as well as social and political developments, all harbor potential for business progress.
Overall assessment of anticipated future developments
In the past fiscal year the Audi Group returned to the path of growth enjoyed in recent years,
interrupted in 2009 by the crisis. The Company moreover impressively demonstrated its high
profitability and competitiveness in posting new record deliveries and profit.
The Board of Management equally believes that the Company is well positioned to tackle future
challenges and should continue to achieve sustained, profitable growth.
The measures already underway that seek to improve processes and costs in all divisions in the
long term will be rigorously pursued. The Audi brand’s attractive product range will also gradually
be extended. Furthermore, continuing efficiency improvements across the entire model and
engine range, as well as the systematic development of new mobility concepts such as electric
and hybrid models, have set the direction for the Company’s aspired long-term growth early on
in the process. The successful implementation of these plans will serve as a huge motivation for
the workforce and help it to identify closely with the Company.
For fiscal 2011 and 2012, the Audi Group expects to see a further rise in worldwide demand for
premium automobiles. The Audi Group’s goal is for this development and the Company’s very
competitive position to be reflected positively in the key ratios for the Group. The Audi Group
would consequently like to adhere to its course of growth in vehicle deliveries and the key financial
indicators.
DISCLAIMER
The Management Report contains forward-looking statements relating to anticipated develop-
ments. These statements are based upon current assessments and are by their very nature subject
to risks and uncertainties. Actual outcomes may differ from those predicted in these statements.