AUDI AG Board visits Riyadh

Riyadh, October 12th, 2006

Premium car manufacturer, Audi, saw the inauguration of the world's first Audi customization studio by the Board of Management of AUDI AG (Germany) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia recently. The new Audi Center Riyadh, which has been specially designed by Audi commissioned architects, is the first to carry the "Audi Exclusive" studio in addition to the standard showroom concept for Audi dealerships.

The Audi Exclusive studio will see specialized consultants assist customers in designing their customized Audi from virtually unlimited design options - from exterior colours and body kits, to standard or sports seats with leather upholstery, contrast stitching and piping, as well as aluminium and fine wood trims. High-quality materials combined with meticulous workmanship are imported from Audi Germany to create an Audi like no other.

At the official hand-over Mr. Ralph Weyler, Member of the Board for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG, congratulated SAMACO Vice President, Sheikh Mohammad Sharbatly: "We are proud to see the first "Audi Exclusive" studio by Audi opening in Saudi Arabia. With our model range Audi meets the high demand for premium vehicles in the Middle East, and Audi Exclusive customization will allow us to take this demand to the ultimate level, the fully individualized Audi."

In order to cater for the growing demand of the Audi brand in both sales and service, SAMACO's expansion plan includes the opening of the Audi Center in Riyadh / Dabbab, a new Audi Service Center in Khurais as well as the recently opened Audi Service Center in Takhasosi.

Audi further extends it's commitment to the Middle East region through an extensive analysis and expansion of its dealer network. In order to support Audi's medium term sales target of 10,000 units throughout the region, the German premium manufacturer forecasts a collective investment of its regional partners of approximately US$40 million over the next five years. The Jordanian market has seen the appointment of a new importer and the grand opening of a new Audi Showroom and service centre in July. Further showroom openings are expected in Qatar and Bahrain in November 2006, whereas further developments for Kuwait and Abu Dhabi are in their planning phase.

Mr. Bandar Al Turki SAMACO Riyadh General Manger, Mr. Ralph Weyler, Member of the Board for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG, Sheikh Mohammad Sharbatly SAMACO Vice President and Mr. Salah Yamout General Manger Audi at the official opening of the Audi Exclusive Studio, the worlds first customization studio, in Riyadh, KSA.

Sheikh Mohammad Sharbatly SAMACO Vice President demonstrates the new Audi Exclusive Studio features to Mr. Ralph Weyler, Member of the Board for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG, at the showrooms official opening in Riyadh, KSA.  Mr. Salah Yamout General Manger Audi looks on.

-Ends-

About Audi
Audi is a car manufacturer rich in tradition. The four rings symbolise the fusion of Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer in 1932. Today, Audi is one of the three big German automotive manufacturers in the premium segment. AUDI AG employs more than 50,000 people and delivered around 829,100 Audi vehicles to customers in 2005.

As a global developer and manufacturer of high-quality cars and engines, Audi has major production sites in Germany, Hungary, Brazil and China. Within the Volkswagen Group, Audi is responsible for the sporty brand group which also includes the SEAT and Lamborghini brands.

The current model range comprises the A3, A3 Sportback, A4 Saloon and Cabriolet, S4 Saloon, and Cabriolet, RS 4 Saloon and Cabriolet, A6 and S6, TT Coupe and Roadster, the A8, S8 and the Q7.

For more information:
Audi Middle East Communication
Karin Haferkorn,
Tel. +971 42045 888,
Fax: +971 4 2045 891
email: karin.haferkorn@audi.avme.ae

Perspective Public Relations
Roger Fennings,
Tel: +971 4 367 1126,
Mob: +971 50 478 9484,
Fax: +971 4 368 6892
email: roger@perspectivepr-me.com

Nick Wheywell,
Tel: +971 4 361 2841,
Mob: +971 50 795 3493,
Fax: +971 4 368 6892
email: nick@perspectivepr-me.com

© Press Release 2006