JD Power: Audi improves in initial quality

By Bruno Bouchard

AUDI IMPROVES 16 POSITIONS IN INITIAL QUALITY, SAYS J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 10, 2008 – Audi of America, Inc. posted the greatest ranking improvement in initial quality in the results from J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 industry-wide study, released June 4, 2008. Even as initial quality improved across the auto industry, Audi distinguished itself from the pack, jumping sixteen spots to #10 with 113 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). The Audi A6 ranked third in a tie in the Midsize Premium Car segment.

“One of our most successful quality drivers has been listening to our consumers – and applying what they teach us at the earliest stages of our vehicle development,” said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. “It is nice to have our passion for quality recognized, but our focus is on raising the bar even higher in the future.”

The J.D. Power and Associates quality rankings are based on feedback from actual, new-vehicle owners. At the same time, Audi is enjoying strong consumer interest and growing market share in the U.S. In particular, Audi has enjoyed increased dealer traffic and strong sales of the A4, A4 Cabriolet and TT models, with robust sales in key markets. In fact, Audi car sales (sedan and sports car models) into early summer grew consistently over each of the corresponding five months in 2007. This confluence of positive news positions Audi well as the company gears up for several major U.S. product launches in Fall 2008.

J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality StudySM measures new-vehicle quality during the first ninety days of ownership. In J.D. Power and Associates’ 2007 study, the Audi A8 ranked highest in the Large Premium Car segment in a tie.

Source: Audi USA