Audi Lines Up Unprecedented Sponsorship of Inauguration Coverage

Audi today announced it will help Americans experience the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama with unprecedented sponsorships of television and online coverage, along with special newspaper sections keyed to the historic Jan. 20 event.

“Throughout this year, Audi will explore what progress means to the American public and demonstrate how we define that concept,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “Regardless of political preferences, the inauguration represents a unique moment of progress. That’s why we wanted to share this experience and begin a conversation about innovation, technology and the path ahead.”

To reach more than 8.6 million readers, Audi will launch its Jan. 20 inauguration program with an eight-page “Progress Is Beautiful” newspaper insert. It will be distributed in major publications across the United States, including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, and The Boston Globe. The insert showcases many of the innovations and advancements that demonstrate Audi’s inherent spirit of progress.

To download high-resolution images of the Audi print insert, please go to audiusanews.com.

Audi will then bring millions of Americans the inauguration speech live online as the exclusive sponsor of the streaming broadcasts on four major news Web sites: ABCNews.com, CBSNews.com, Msnbc.com, and WashingtonPost.com.

This partnership marks the first time a sponsor has brought Msnbc.com’s live stream of the presidential inauguration speech to viewers commercial free and the first time CBSNews.com will have an exclusive sponsor of the speech online.

The online effort by Audi also includes a full-day sponsorship of Slate.com and sole sponsorship of TheAtlantic.com Web sites on Jan. 20. Through these Web sponsorships, Audi will help deliver coverage of the inauguration to over 30 million people as the ceremony unfolds.

On the evening of Jan. 20, Audi will partner with ABC, CBS, and NBC to present each network’s evening newscast with limited commercial interruption. This partnership is the first of its kind and is expected to provide the recap of the historic day to more than 19 million viewers.

“The uncommon shared experience of the inauguration offered a remarkable opportunity to connect with Americans,” said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. “In honoring this historic moment, Audi is also communicating the inherent spirit of progress and innovation that is the core of our corporate DNA.”

Following the inaugural, Audi will provide monthly insights into the innovative work being done across its business. The examples will show the American public that Audi intends to be a future-oriented company finding solutions to the challenges of today.

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. In selling one million vehicles worldwide for the first time in 2008, AUDI AG recorded its 13th consecutive year of record sales. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.