Audi Finalizes Management Structure Changes

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 13 -- Audi of America today announced a new position called Chief Operations Officer, a post that will be held by Tom Del Franco, currently Director of Sales Operations. In this new position, Del Franco will serve as the company's second ranking executive and top operational leader, reporting to Executive Vice President, Johan de Nysschen.

Adding to his current responsibilities -- which include achieving retail sales targets, managing sales incentive programs, monitoring dealer profitability, and managing dealer communications -- Del Franco, 52, will also oversee sales planning and distribution and dealer network development departments. Reinhard Fischer, Director of Sales Planning and Distribution is currently responsible for this department and will continue to lead the duties of volume planning, distribution, network development, CPO and corporate sales.

"Our growth in this market is critical to Audi's global sales objectives, and Tom plays a vital role in continuing this success," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president in charge of Audi of America. "Tom will integrate two very important departments and will serve as Audi's day-to-day operational leader. His vision and charisma will help focus and guide the organization to a triumphant year."

Del Franco joined Audi of America in June 2005 as Director of U.S. Operations. Previously, Del Franco had been with Mazda North America Operations since 1990 where he held various field and staff positions. In 1995 Del Franco was appointed Vice President and Regional General Manager for the Northeast Region. Prior to his experience with Mazda, Del Franco held a variety of positions in other automotive organizations.

Del Franco has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College and an MBA in Finance from Adelphi University. Del Franco is originally from New York City, and is married with three children.

Audi of America is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and markets performance-oriented European luxury vehicles including the all-new Audi Q7 SUV, A3, A4, A6, A8, and TT.