TORONTO, Jan. 7 /CNW/ - Since the establishment of a multi-discipline Canadian headquarters in 2005, Audi Canada has experienced significant growth with two consecutive record sales years. To better serve the needs and requirements of the Canadian market, Audi Canada today announced the appointment of a new Director of Sales and a new Director of Marketing and Product Management.

Effectively immediately, Douglas Clark has been named as the company's new Director of Sales. In this position, Mr. Clark is responsible for all Canadian vehicle sales efforts, volume planning, incentive programs and dealer relationship management initiatives. He reports directly to Diego Ramos - Executive Vice President, Audi Canada.

Prior to his new appointment, Mr. Clark was Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Relations at the Audi headquarters in Ajax, Ontario. He has an extensive background in marketing and public relations.

"Doug brings with him a breadth of experience and a laser-like focus on the market place. He knows our dealers and his skills will assist our team in the successful launch of new models and in maintaining our sales momentum," said Mr. Ramos.

Mr. Clark joined Audi of America in Auburn Hills, Michigan in 1996 and has been working at Audi Canada as Director of Communications and Marketing since 2005. He holds an A.B. Degree in Political Science from Princeton University.

Mr. Clark replaces the highly-respected John Walker who has elected to return to Australia.

Audi Canada also announced the appointment of Karsten Ruwoldt as the firm's new Director of Marketing and Product Management replacing Mr. Clark.

Mr. Ruwoldt joined Audi of America in 2003. After a succession of increasingly responsible positions in the area of marketing, planning and product management, Mr. Ruwoldt joined Audi Canada in May of 2006 as Manager of Product Planning, Pricing and Dealer Development. He holds an Economics Degree from the Freie Universitat in Berlin, Germany. In addition to his duties as Director of Marketing, Mr. Ruwoldt will be responsible for all Audi Canada product and pricing initiatives.

"Karsten has a proven track record of unwavering dedication to quality and performance and, as such, brings deep operational experience and extensive knowledge to his new position. His background in product planning will prove a valuable attribute as Audi continues its growth in Canada," said Ramos.

"These recent changes reflect Audi Canada's belief in promoting from within," stated Mr. Ramos. "With plans to hire a significant number of new staff, nearly doubling the current team, we see ourselves as well positioned for continued growth in this important market."

Audi Canada recently launched four all-new models such as the AJAC award-winning, mid-engined Audi R8 sports car, the iconic Audi TT Coupe and Roadster and the all new, award-winning Audi S5 sports coupe. The success of these and other vehicles has led to sales growth for Audi, with even more new models hitting showrooms in the coming months.

About Audi Canada

Audi's history in Canada dates to 1971, when the brand was first introduced to the Canadian market. Today, a network of over 37 Audi retailers nationwide sell and service a range of premium vehicles that include the Audi A3 sportback; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the pulse-quickening RS 4 sports sedan; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the Audi Q7 performance SUV; the all-aluminum Audi A8; the V10-powered S6 and sovereign S8 performance sedans; the all-new 2008 TT Coupe and Roadster models and the incredible new R8 mid-engined sports car.

Audi Canada is headquartered in Ajax, Ontario and markets a line of luxury cars built in plants in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm, Germany, Bratislava, Slovakia and Gyor, Hungary. The parent company, AUDI AG, is headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany.