Perfect Audi debut at Kieler Woche

-  Three million visitors at the sailing festival marked by the Four Rings
-  More than 1,000 test drives in Audi models from the A1 to the Q7
-  Audi A1 Team clinches surprise win of German Sailing Championship

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Jun 28, 2010  -  Audi delivered a perfect debut as premium partner of the Kieler Woche. About three million visitors traveled to Germany’s far north: they experienced a sailing and public festival marked by the symbol of the Four Rings, many celebrities on board of the Audi boats, test drives of the current models from Ingolstadt and a surprise German Sailing Champion.

The 128th edition of the Kieler Woche was again a sporting event of superlative dimensions: 4,500 sailors from 54 nations sailed for victories along the coast on ten days. The roughly three million visitors watched the competitions on water and, in addition, had the choice between more than 2,000 events on land. For the first time the biggest summer festival in Northern Europe was held under the symbol of the Four Rings: Audi is on board as premium and mobility partner.

Whether in downtown Kiel or at the Sailing Center in Schilksee: Audi presented itself with an equally diverse and thrilling program at its debut in Kiel. The focal point for the sailors was the trailer service which Audi equipped with its Q7 and A6 allroad models. It was a major logistical feat: during the change between the various boat classes the organizers counted more than 1,500 trailer movements within 40 hours.

But all non-sailors had the chance to experience “Vorsprung durch Technik” for themselves as well. Over 1,000 visitors took advantage of the opportunity to test drive Audi models which ranged from the A1 to the Q7. Another 1,000 drivers participated in the Audi driving experience. Actress Veronica Ferres and TV talk show host Johannes B. Kerner, for example, first took the wheel of an Audi and then the helm of a sailboat. Both had traveled to Kiel at Audi’s invitation.

The Audi A1 Team in a boat of the TP52 class of the type that is used, for example, in the Audi MedCup as well then put the finishing touches on what was a successful Kieler Woche in every respect. Under the direction of pro Tim Kröger and five other seasoned sailors, nine Audi customers from the East and North regions experienced regattas in competitive conditions – and won the International German Championship in their class straight away. The Audi project billed as “A dream comes true” thus more than lived up to its name as early as on its debut.

“Right on our debut as premium partner we experienced a perfect Kieler Woche,” says Hans-Joachim Radde, Head of Marketing Germany of AUDI AG. “We wish to thank the organizers who got a veritable public sporting festival off the ground. Obviously, the fact that our customers on an Audi boat even won a German Championship will make this year a particularly memorable occasion. I would like to thank the entire team onstage and behind the scenes: they’ve made the Kieler Woche a highlight on Audi’s sporting calendar.”

And there was yet another debut: Sailing Team Germany had its first official appearance in Kiel. Audi supports the newly formed national sailing team which aims to lead German competition sailing back to the top international ranks with a standard appearance and concentrated forces. Visitors received a first impression of this endeavor in Audi’s own base camp in Schilksee. Sailors of the squad competed in nearly all classes of the Kieler Woche which encompasses a total of 95 teams with almost 140 sportsmen.