Audi Wins Three 2012 ALG Residual Value Awards

HERNDON, Va., Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi today announced that it has received three Residual Value Awards from ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data. The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements in producing new vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. The Audi A6, S5 and Q7 received recognition for the 2012 model year.

"To produce dynamic, top performing vehicles that retain their value is always our goal.  We're pleased that three of our most popular models have received ALG's stamp of approval. All three of the vehicles chosen represent the best Audi offers in design, functionality and progressive luxury," said Johan de Nysschen, president, Audi of America.

The all-new 2012 Audi A6 won the award in the Luxury Car category. The A6 boasts an all-aluminum Audi 3.0 L TFSI® supercharged V6 engine with 310 horsepower. One of Audi's most innovative and technologically-advanced models to date, the A6 makes up to 2,000 decisions per second to assist the driver. Safety in the all-new Audi A6 is enhanced by a thermal imaging camera with Night Vision Assistant as well as the Audi Pre-Sense Plus safety system. Other intelligent features include head-up display and a MMI® Touch pad that recognizes handwriting in multiple languages.  Audi is the first company worldwide to feature factory-installed wireless internet, enabling features such as Audi connect™ for real-time weather, traffic, news and live fuel prices, and MMI Navigation with 3-D Google Earth™ images.

"The redesigned A6 offers stunning styling, fuel-efficient performance and Audi's renowned all-wheel drive system," said Raj Sundaram, ALG.  "State-of-the-art features and a gorgeous interior make it one of the most desirable cars in the secondary market and launch it to the top of the Luxury Car segment."

In the Luxury Sports Car category, the 2012 Audi S5 took top honors for its iconic design and dynamic character. The S5 Cabriolet is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 TFSI® direct injection engine with the Audi valvelift system that delivers 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque to the quattro® permanent all-wheel drive configuration. Shifting is handled by a seven-speed dual clutch S tronic® transmission. The S5 Coupe offers a 4.2 liter FSI® V8 engine, also with the Audi valvelift system, which can be mated to either a manual or available Tiptronic® transmission. The S5 boasts a remarkable combination of performance and handling. With unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, fender badging and door sills, plus anodized aluminum windshield frame, the S5 boasts unmistakable design with very strong performance characteristics. Fine Milano leather seating surfaces and trim provide an inviting warmth to the interior, which also features availability of the best in Audi entertainment and driver-assistance technology such as Audi MMI Navigation plus featuring a seven-inch display screen or Audi MMI Radio plus.

"The S5 offers a winning combination of Audi style and luxury with the impressive performance of the brand's supercharged V6," added Sundaram. "Both a coupe and convertible version make the S5 even more appealing, and help it rise to the top of the Luxury Sports Car segment."

The 2012 Audi Q7 won the award in the Luxury Fullsize Utility Vehicle category.  The seven-passenger Audi Q7 exceeds driver and passenger expectations for functionality and comfort. Q7 customers have the option of a gasoline turbocharged, fuel-injected 3.0 liter TFSI engine, or a powerful yet fuel efficient V6 turbocharged direct injection TDI clean diesel engine. The Audi Q7 features a luxurious, premium interior including heated and available cooled, twelve-way power front seats, fore and aft adjustable rear middle seats, and foldable seats in the third row. For maximum comfort, an available panoramic roof gives the cabin a light, open feeling. The 2012 Audi Q7 offers the most advanced Audi technologies available, including Audi connect with a rolling Wi-Fi® Hotspot for up to eight devices and Google Voice Local Search. The Audi music interface with iPod®/iPhone® connectivity ensures user friendly perusing of play lists and song titles via the Audi MMI system. A full complement of airbags, including Sideguard® head curtain airbags for all three rows of seats ensures passengers stay safe.

"The Q7 is stylish and roomy, blending Audi refinement with generous passenger capacity," said Sundaram. "Low incentives and high demand were also key factors in helping it to finish at the top of the Luxury Fullsize Utility Vehicle segment."

ALG award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing and marketing strategies remain the key factors that affect ALG's residual value forecasts.  This year's awards are based on 2012 model year vehicles.

About ALG (www.alg.com)

Based in Santa Barbara, California, ALG is a leading provider of data and consulting services to the automotive industry. ALG publishes the "Automotive Lease Guide" – the standard for Residual Value projections in North America, and has been forecasting automotive residual values for over 45 years in both the U.S. and Canadian markets. ALG is a subsidiary of TrueCar, Inc.

About Audi of America

Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2010 Audi was the top performing luxury brand in Europe and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Over the next few years, AUDI AG will invest nearly $16 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

SOURCE Audi of America, Inc.