Four Audi Models Earn Top Safety Marks in 2009 Awards from IIHS

Audi’s reputation as a leader in automotive safety gained added validation with four of its best-selling models claiming Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick awards for 2009.

Winning the highly sought safety award were the Audi A3, the all-new Audi A4, the Audi A6 and the Audi Q7. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting passengers in front, side and rear collisions. All of the winners also had to have electronic stability control, which IIHS credits with significantly lowering crash risks.

“Protecting the drivers of our vehicles, and their passengers, is at the top of Audi’s priority list and we’re delighted to clearly stand above other European luxury carmakers,” said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. “Safety is woven into the earliest consideration of how our different models should look and perform. We’re grateful the Insurance Institute has recognized this singular focus of ours.”

This marks the second consecutive year that four Audi models have earned this important safety award. The Audi Q7, Audi A6, Audi A4, and Audi A3 all received the IIHS Top Safety Pick Award in 2008. The Audi A6 and A4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick Award in 2007. IIHS launched the safety awards in 2006.

The four awards collected by Audi models exceeded the number of awards given to BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Lexus models. Additionally, some Audi models, including the Audi R8 sports car, the Audi A5 coupe, and the Audi A8 luxury sedan did not fall within the IIHS test program at this time.

IIHS evaluates each vehicle for front crashworthiness following a 40 mph offset collision. Calculations are made on the level of intrusion the crash causes in the occupant compartment and the impact recorded by crash test dummies. Side impact evaluations involve crashing a barrier into the side of a vehicle at 31 mph. Rear crash protection involves measuring the geometry of head restraints. Vehicles with good or acceptable measurements are then struck in the rear at 20 mph.

For more information on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the 2009 Top Safety Pick awards, please go to www.iihs.org.

About Audi of America

Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally. Last year AUDI AG recorded its 12th consecutive record year for sales and profit growth. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.