The readers of the German automotive magazine this year chose the AudiA4 as the “most beautiful car of the year,” and thus as the overall champion. In addition, the A4 also took a clear first place in the sedan and station wagon category, finishing well ahead of its competitors. The Audi A3 likewise outperformed all its rivals in the small and compact car segment, as did the Audi Q5 in the off-road vehicle and SUV category.
Approximately 42,000 readers of Auto Bild took part in the voting on vehicle design, choosing from among more than 100 cars in seven categories. The magazine has been presenting the award since 2006, with Audi taking first place overall every year. The Audi Q5 immediately won out in the off-road vehicle and SUV category this year, before even being launched on the market. In the overall rankings, the Q5 received so many votes that it took third place its first time out.
Audi has now started making the A4 sedan in India, at its plant in Aurangabad. This is the second Audi which is now being made in the country, the first being the bigger A6 model.
As with the A6, the Audi A4 will be assembled from completely knocked down (CKD) kits imported from Germany. By 2015, Audi hopes to invest up to Rs 200 crore in India and build more than 10,000 A4 and A6 cars in the country.
‘India is one of the most important future growth markets for Audi Compared with last year, our vehicle sales in the first eight months of this year grew by over 190 percent, to some 700 units,’ says Peter Schwarzenbauer, member of the board of management for marketing and sales at Audi AG. ‘We are also making excellent process with our dealer network, which is currently being expanded to twelve locations,’ he adds.
‘The outstanding infrastructure at the plant, highly developed working processes, a large pool of skilled workers and favorable logistical conditions have resulted in Audi A4 CKD production starting two months ahead of schedule,’ says Frank Dreves, member of the board of management for production at Audi AG.
Audi has announced 5 more new dealerships in India for its car models in the country. It shall open five new dealerships in Ludhiana, Ahmadabad, Chennai, Kochi and Kolkata. This shall make total 12 car dealerships from Audi in India.
“Audi has received an overwhelming response in India. Our sales growth in first eight months of this year has been over 190 per cent. The announcement of the new dealerships is the commitment to a great future for the brand in India”, says Benoit Tiers, Managing Director of Audi India. He added, “We are expanding to 12 exclusive and luxurious Audi dealerships in India. This will give customers the possibility to experience our models, the Audi world and premium service.”
The German auto makers are spreading their winds in India. Volkswagen and Audi plan to strengthen their Indian operations as they set up a new sales office at Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. The new office shall cater to sales and queries from dealers as well as customers.
“Our Indian operations play a significant role in our overall strategy. To further strengthen the growth in India we will increase our Volkswagen and Audi dealerships across the country from 14 at present to approximately 150 by 2011. We look forward to a long-term relationship with the country,” said Joerg Mueller, President and Managing Director, VW Group. VW has recently launched its mid-sized premium segment sedan, VW Jetta. The model has been quite successful in India as compared to its earlier model, VW Passat.
Audi also plans to open new dealerships in various Indian cities including Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, Kochi and Chennai. It currently marks its presence in 7 Indian cities including Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Pune, Chandigarh, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Audi currently has A8, A6, Q7, A4 and Audi TT. It plans to launch Audi R8 in India which has already evoked quite an interest amongst the car lovers interested in premium models.
Audi’s eighth-generation A4 Avant wagon, just released in South Africa along with a V6-engined, range-topping sedan, is an intriguing mixture of looks and practicality, sportiness and utility, luxury and load-carrier.
And, as near as I could tell within the limits of a launch-day ride-’n-drive, it hasn’t compromised any of those attributes.
Anyone who has ever driven a VW Beetle - or a Porsche 911! - will tell you that it is difficult to overstate the advantages of such a layout in terms of handling.
So, even without the latest generation of Audi’s adaptive suspension and Bosch electronic stability system, it would handle better than its predecessor. With them, it’s awesome.
Audi India yesterday launched the all new 2008 Audi A4 in India. It is on display in 7 showrooms throughout India. Audi is also planning to increase the number of showrooms and service centres. Audi has tried long and hard to make its A4 as desirable as the BMW 3-Series but hasn’t quite succeeded. At least until now. While the BMW may still have the edge on ultimate driver appeal, the 2008 A4 is a better all rounder. As beautifully finished as ever, Audi has ensured the A4 saloon is priced a little lower than its main rivals and is more generous with equipment.
The new A4 gets many new electronic and assistance features found in larger BMW and Mercedes models. Features such as adaptive shock absorbers, seat fans, adaptive airbags/belts, adaptive cruise control, radio-operated key, variable steering as well as other Audi features found only in A6 and A8 models which include MMI and a 10-channel 505-Watt Bang & Olufson 14 speaker stereo system. Lastly, for an added touch of the Audi R8, the xenon plus headlight option includes 14 white LEDs as day-time driving lights.
Despite the bigger size of the body, the new A4 body shell weighs an amazing 10% less than its predecessor. Audi has accomplished this through the use of new high-strength steel grades. Aerodynamics also improve to 0.27 drag coefficient, which is 3 to 5% lower (depending on model) although the frontal area is slightly wider. For Audi’s compact executive to truly succeed in giving BMW a bloody nose, the A4 will have to prove its worth where it counts - on the road. And within minutes it’s clear the new car is vastly better than the old one.
Audi India will launch its latest generation A4 in India in July, a company press release has said. The car has been comprehensively reworked and it now 4.7 metres in length, meaning more legroom and luggage space. The engine options include the 2.0 TDI with a power output of 143 bhp and 3.2 FSI Petrol with a power output of 265 bhp. The considerably more powerful petrol engined car will also come with Audi’s famous Quattro 4-wheel drive technology. The booking for the new Audi can be placed with any of its dealers in Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bangalore. The prices for the new A4 start at 2,900,000 INR Ex-Showroom Mumbai, CST and transportation charges are extra.
