Female car purchasers are on the rise, with worldwide sales figures rising year after year. Without a doubt, the female voice within the auto industry is stronger than ever. That said; an award of worldwide significance defined exclusively by women and their relationships with cars, has been long overdue.

Up until now the auto industry has never seen an award with a judging team of only women. Over the past year, eight female motoring writers from around the world have tested 21 cars from the short list.

These awards had four main categories: Women’s World Family Car of the Year, World Sports Car of the Year, World Economy Car of the Year and World Luxury Car of the Year.

The judging criterion was nice and simple: judges are asked to vote according to the criteria women utilise when buying a car. Thus safety, value-for-money, aesthetic appearance, storage space, child–friendliness, ease-of-driving, colour, sex appeal and environmental footprint are all categories the judges will be analysing.

Audi had two models listed among the 21 selected vehicles. The Audi A6 was competing in the luxury car category where it came second while the Audi TTS was named Women’s World Sports Car of the Year after beating some high calibre competitors.

Certificates will be awarded to individual category winners and to the supreme winner early in 2010. The certificates have been designed by Bob Child of graphic design company Peartree Studios in Colerne, Somerset, England.

What a year this has been for Audi. In the year of its 100th anniversary, the German automaker won an array of accolades and this week; with four more being added to the collection.

First one comes from Wards magazine and wardsauto.com, for the fourth consecutive year. Audi’s 2.0 TFSI turbocharged engine came first on Ward’s 10 Best Engines, considered by many as the “Oscars” of automotive engine awards.

The award honours the engine’s excellence, taking in consideration a series of factors like efficiency and technological innovations. Audi AG’s new generation of 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged 4 cylinder engines had little trouble in winning this years awards thanks to small but highly effective innovations including an optimised turbocharger; variable exhaust-valve-lift technology; revised electronic controls; a lower compression ratio (9.6:1 vs. 10.3:1) and refined internal components.

Meanwhile, down under in Australia Audi celebrate a triple triumph at the 2009 Australian Best Car Awards. The Audi Q5 3.0 TDI was named “Best Luxury 4WD” while the Audi TTs TFSI won for the second in the “Best Luxury Sports Car” category and the trifecta was completed with the Audi A6 Sedan 3.0 TFSI Quattro claiming the title of Best Luxury Car.

The second generation of the Audi A8, Audi R8, TT Coupé and TT Roadster sports cars document the current state of the ASF technology. The superstructure of the current A8 weighs 218kg while the aluminium body of the R8, whose co-supporting engine frame is made of ultra light magnesium, tips the scales at 210 kg.

The TT Coupé and Roadster bodies weigh 206 kg and 251 kg respectively while the TT “family” also features an additional innovation. To ideally balance the axle loads between the front and back, Audi developed an innovative hybrid construction for its compact sports cars: Most of the body is made of aluminium, but steel is used in the rear.

Depending on the model, the kerb weight of the TT has been reduced by between 20 and 90 kg compared to the previous model which had an all-steel body. At the same time, the static torsional rigidity of the Coupé increased by 50 percent and that of the Roadster by an even more impressive 100 per cent.

The ASF provides the foundation for precise handling and a high level of passive safety. A lighter car has to dissipate less kinetic energy and is also does less damage to others involved in an accident. The lightweight design combines chassis responsiveness and efficiency in typical Audi fashion.

It is not often that we see a new car’s marketing campaign get a special tune made for it, specially when all the sounds used to create this tune came from the vehicle itself.

Once again Audi innovates in the promotion of a new model. Marking the launch of the new Audi TT RS and to celebrate the unique sound of its five-cylinder engine, Audi teamed up with Leftfield’s Neil Barnes and acclaimed producer Nic Rapaccioli to create an exclusive two minute track entitled Die Funf Zylinder (The Five Cylinder).

The track was created using only sounds made by the Audi TT RS. First engineers recorded a multitude of samples to capture sounds that mirror effects and instruments found in electronic music while sounds of the TT RS engine running at different speeds created the melodic tunes of the track. The idea came from the agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH), Audi UK’s advertising partner since 1982.

Peter Duffy, Audi UK Head of Marketing said,

“Audi is all about innovation through advanced technology. The opportunity to create content that is Vorsprung durch Technik in itself is something we’re very excited about.”

You can find an excerpt from the track at www.audi.co.uk/ttrs, while a full version can be purchased via the ITunes store.

What a year it has been so far for Audi, on the year it celebrates 100 years of existence its comprehensive range of cars simply can’t stop winning awards all over the world.

In Germany, Audi won nine awards in the Sport Auto Readers Choice Contest organised by the automotive magazine Sport Auto. The Audi RS6 once again, led the way and it was voted the best vehicle in its class, while the Audi S3,  A3 2.0 TDI, TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI, TT RS Roadster and Audi R8 were voted second in their respective categories and to wrap things up the A4 3.0 TDI Quattro, the A4 3.2 FSI Quattro and the Audi S4 grabbed three outstanding third places.

Meanwhile in the UK, Audi’s range won for the fourth consecutive year the British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards held last week at the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Thatcham, Berkshire. For those of not familiar with Thatcham, they are one of Europe’s leading authorities in the field of vehicle security; its experts have been assessing the theft protection standards of vehicles for over ten years.

Audi not only won the Manufacturer do the Year Award but also achieved three categories wins, the A4 range was votes most secure in compact executive class, while the S8 was awarded in the performance car class and the newly launched Audi A5 Cabriolet won the open-top class.

All these awards are the rewards for a company that is always trying to improve the safety and driving experience of its customers.

Next month, Audi celebrates its 100th anniversary. The celebrations started back in January when Audi became Germany’s favourite premium brand and will go on throughout the year.

To prove Audi’s success in Germany, the Audi A4 Salon is the top selling premium salon, its big brother the Audi A6 also reigns in its segment while the Audi TT was crowned Germany’s best selling sports car and on top of all that, does a 13th consecutive year record growth say anything?

To mark this special birthday, Audi prepared an Events Calendar to celebrate its 100th anniversary with events spread out throughout the year.

To praise Audi’s 100th anniversary we prepared a collection of new wallpapers with some classic models from Audi and the extinguished Auto Union, right now you can download the wallpaper of the 1939 Auto Union Type D, also available is the Audi Q5 Custom Concept wallpaper and many more, visit our Audi Downloads page and choose your favourite Audi Model.

From now till the big day on the 16th of July, the exact date Audi will turn 100 years old, we’ll be uploading more wallpapers for you to download, so stay tuned here at Audi Nationwide’s Blog for more.

This is the second and last part of our guide to help you choose an Audi Company Car to best suits your company needs. Last week we listed what is considered the lower branch of our Audi range, but if you own an Audi you know that there isn’t such a thing as a low quality Audi.

Audi A8 – Luxury Redefined

There is no conflict between sportiness and common sense in the case of the Audi A8: the luxury saloon brings together quattro four-wheel drive, the light but sturdy Audi Space Frame ASF® aluminium body and adaptive air suspension in a single car. The Audi A8’s design and technology redefine the benchmark in every respect.

If you want respect from your employees, this is the company car you need. The new Audi A8 is due to launch soon so stay tuned for more information on one of Audi’s most luxurious models.

Audi A8 Leasing for Company Car and Audi A8 Specifications

Audi TT Coupé and Audi TT Roadster – Inspirational

The Audi TTs perfect performance have come together to create the ultimate sports car. The Audi TT Coupe is of pure design. Perfect performance. A serious sports car with turbo-charged engineering and sports ratio 6-speed gearbox. And if you prefer a Cabriolet there is the Audi TT Roadster, automotive purism in its most beautiful form – for boundless open-top driving pleasure.

Audi has recently added the Audi TT to its RS line of cars with the launch of the Audi TTRS and Audi Roadster.

Audi TT Leasing for Company Car and Audi TT Specifications

Audi Q5 – Sports SUV

The new Audi Q5 combines the poise of a sports car with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure and family use, with strong and fuel-efficient engines, Quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear incorporating a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch auto/manual transmission and performance for all seasons and all surfaces.

The Audi Q5 is not even one year old but it has already gained the respect of world’s top auto critics by winning some respectful awards such as the Golden Steering Wheel, one of the most prestigious awards in the auto industry.

Audi Q5 Leasing for Company Car and Audi Q5 Specifications

Audi Q7 – The Performance SUV

For 25 years we’ve made Quattro for our cars. Now we’ve made the car for Quattro – the new Audi Q7. Refining the raw power of the Quattro drive train. The Audi Q7 7 seater is a true performance SUV, at home on any road even when there isn’t one.

The Audi Q7 doesn’t compromise on safety. Exceptionally strong build and innovative, all-round protection keep you – and your family – safe. Audi’s philosophy on safety is at the very heart of the Audi Q7.

Audi Q7 Leasing for Company Car and Audi Q7 Specifications

Audi R8 – True Art

The Audi R8 was built to take your breath away. Audi’s leading designers have pushed the boundaries of racing technology, futuristic construction and luxury refinement to deliver a genuine masterpiece. The Audi R8’s features include a centrally-mounted, high-revving V8 petrol engine, Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction; front and rear double wishbone suspension and the stability of Quattro four-wheel-drive.

Audi R8 Leasing for Company Car and Audi R8 Specifications

Now that you know more about all Audi models available, choose the right Audi Company car that will best suit your company needs.

The premium quality of an Audi car also pays off for their consumers when it comes to insurance costs.

The German Insurance Association GDV has again given the entire Audi model range especially favorable ratings in the full-coverage category.

The best ratings went to Audi models A3, Audi TT, A6 and A8, which received the most economical insurance classifications in the premium segment. But most of the engine versions of the other Audi models also achieved especially economical ratings.

Audi customers save a lot compared to owners of competing cars, because Audi cars are usually rated one to two categories cheaper. Over 80% of the 129 different versions offered in total by Audi have the best full-coverage rating compared with their premium competitors.

The owner’s driving style is not the only factor when it comes to the insurance rating. The intelligent design of the car, which ensures optimal crash characteristics, is also important.

After all, the less damage done to a car, the less that will have to be paid out in terms of insurance costs.

Audi has won SEVEN gongs in this year’s BusinessCar Awards, including the biggest prize -

Business Car of the Year for the A4!

These annual awards are voted for exclusively by the readers of BusinessCar, making them an important barometer for performance in the fleet sector. And if this year’s awards are anything to go by, Audi is looking after its fleet customers exceptionally well and making first-class cars.

“We thought Audi winning six BusinessCar Awards in 2008 was a tremendous achievement, but the ever-increasing popularity of Audi has led to it surpassing last year’s achievement and collecting an incredible seven awards in 2009,” said BusinessCar Editor-in-Chief Tristan Young. “The new A4’s quality, both for drivers and business car managers, made it an outstanding choice and worthy winner of the 2009 Business Car of the Year. And the six category wins demonstrate the strength in depth, class and appeal of Audi’s entire model range.”Iain Carmichael, Audi UK’s Head of Fleet Sales, said: “We are naturally delighted to collect a record seven awards from BusinessCar. These awards reflect the real strength of our great range of cars, and the appeal they have for fleet drivers in particular. They are also testament to the professionalism of the Fleet team and the Audi Centres that so ably take care of the fleet industry’s needs.” For more about this year’s BusinessCar Awards log on to http://www.businesscar.co.uk/		Audi’s awards in full: Business Car of the Year – Audi A4 Lower Medium Car of the Year – Audi A3 Upper Medium Car of the Year – Audi A4 Luxury Car of the Year – Audi A8 Small 4×4 of the Year – Audi Q5 Large 4×4 of the Year – Audi Q7 Sporting Car of the Year – Audi A5 Highly Commended – Manufacturer of the Year

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