2009 LA Auto Show: Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen Acceptance Remarks at 2010 Green Car of the Year Award Announcement

HERNDON, Va., Dec 3, 2009; Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen accepted the 2010 Green Car of the Year award today on behalf of the 2010 Audi A3 TDI at the Los Angeles Auto Show and he gave the following remarks:

"First, I'd like to thank Ron and the Green Car Journal team as well as our esteemed panel of judges for this honor.

On behalf of all the Audi designers and engineers that have immersed themselves in this project, we thank you for recognizing our labor of love. We are grateful to receive this most prestigious title.

There are many awards given to auto manufacturers. And to be frank, recognition is never a bad thing. But this one bears exceptional significance for all us at Audi.

Over 20 years ago, Audi began developing vehicles that were as environmentally responsible as they were technologically innovative. With the first TDI engine in 1989 we embarked on a path that has come to define us.

And today, we find ourselves more committed to it than ever. Green is no longer progressive, but rather, expected. As an automaker that prides itself on pushing the limits of engineering, we keep the global impact of our vehicles top of mind through all stages of development.

The A3 TDI embodies this approach. We sought to exceed expectations of fuel efficiency without compromising a second of driving experience.

This elusive combination - optimal power with minimal emissions - was our goal, and it was a proud moment for our entire team when we concluded that our goal was met in the latest member of the TDI family, the A3.

Since its launch last summer, the response to the debut TDI vehicle, the Q7, has been nothing short of phenomenal. Q7 TDIs now account for 46% of all Q7 models sold, which says as much about the appeal of this vehicle as it does consumers' desire to drive smarter.

We take that very seriously. Developing solutions for sustainable transportation is not a fleeting fad, nor are 'green' features novelties any longer. At the same time, we at Audi never want to compromise the sheer enjoyment of getting behind the wheel.

It is truly an honor to see the A3 TDI recognized for achieving the best of both worlds, as we so feverishly aspired for it to, and we can't wait to continue redefining what it means to be green.

Thank you."

ABOUT AUDI

Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi lineup 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 luxury automotive brands globally. In selling one million vehicles worldwide in 2008, AUDI AG recorded its 13th consecutive record year for sales growth.