Audi Announces 'The Tony Stark Innovation Challenge'

HERNDON, Va., April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of the April 26 world premiere of Iron Man 2 in Los Angeles, Audi of America, Inc. announced that it is launching a social media competition called "The Tony Stark Innovation Challenge" in support of its prominent presence in the film. Beginning April 28, consumers can submit two-minute videos that showcase their ideas for better living through the use of technology. They then must rally members of their Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other social media networks to rate, comment, and discuss the their ideas. Full contest information is available at www.tonystarkinnovationchallenge.com.

"Achieving progress through technology is the message behind Iron Man 2, and this idea is fundamental to Audi," said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. "The partnership in Iron Man 2 celebrates our shared focus on innovation, and this contest allows anyone with a great idea to not just express it, but potentially make a true difference within their industry."

"The Tony Stark Innovation Challenge" mirrors Tony Stark's desire to take Stark Industries in a new direction, using his vast intellect and resources to eradicate problems through technology. Submissions will be judged by Audi on their ability to:

• Make the world a better place by solving a problem or improving an existing solution
• Articulate and demonstrate expertise of the "better living through technology" philosophy
• Have a scalability and adoptability to potentially change the way we live
• Showcase innovation, adventures, and intelligence worthy of Audi and Tony Stark
• Have cache in the social media channels by means of ratings and viral component  

The winner will receive:

• $15,000 in funding  to develop their concept
• Their experience documented and featured on www.audiusa.com
• A four-day trip for two to California including airfare, hotel and meals
• Transportation in the latest innovation from Audi, the 2011 A8
• Spa treatments, tailored cocktail attire, and grooming to perfect their Stark style  
• A tour of Audi Design Center in Santa Monica
• A guided tour of the ICON aircraft facilities including air and water testing of their new A5 aircraft
• A day at the Audi Sports Car Experience to drive Tony Stark's favorite car, the Audi R8 on a racetrack

Audi will also be lending its support to the film through activities including a month-long late night TV and national cable campaign and an online presence on Fandango.com and Movies.com. The brand is also unveiling an all-new Audi Iron Man ad that will run in cinemas in the month leading up to the film release. Additionally, Audi is sponsoring the re-launch of Marvel.com that will include a digital comic book featuring the R8 Spyder.

Tony Stark will be seen throughout Iron Man 2 in his Audi R8 Spyder, the new soft top convertible version of the R8 super car which was featured in the first Iron Man. In addition to the R8 Spyder, the A8 sedan will also be showcased in the film. 

The video submission and public voting period starts April 28, 2010 and ends June 9, 2010.  Approved submissions will be posted to the site within 48 hours.  Users can rate one video per day, for the length of the contest participation period on a scale from one to five.  Final ratings will be calculated toward the final score of each entry and used to determine the grand prize winner. Finalists will be selected shortly after the submissions end. Clearance, notifications and interviews will take place between June 10, 2010 and June 27, 2010, and the winner will be announced on June 28, 2010. Prizes will be redeemed in August 2010. Submissions are only accepted in English and from U.S. residents 18 and over.  

ABOUT AUDI

Audi of America, Inc. and its 271 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Over the next few years, AUDI AG expects to spend nearly $2 billion annually on new products and technology. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

ABOUT IRON MAN 2

Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster film based on the legendary Marvel Super Hero "Iron Man," reuniting Director Jon Favreau and Oscar® nominee Robert Downey Jr. In Iron Man 2, the world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is the armoured Super Hero Iron Man. Under pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armor because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands. With Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Don Cheadle) at his side, Tony forges new alliances and confronts powerful new forces.  Iron Man 2 hits theaters nationwide on May 7, 2010.

ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics).  Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online.  For more information visit www.marvel.com.

SOURCE Audi of America, Inc.