Audi Launches Eco-Friendly Auto Show Initiative With Digital Collateral

HERNDON, Va., Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi has extended its commitment to technological innovation and environmental stewardship by giving auto show attendees the ability to have electronic brochures of Audi's 2011 lineup delivered instantly to their mobile phones as an alternative to printed copies. The program officially launched during public days at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Audi has dramatically increased its focus on environmental awareness as seen in its revolutionary TDI clean diesel product line and its e-tron electric supercar. The move to digital distribution is expected to reduce the amount of printed material handed out at shows by up to 90% by the end of the 2010-2011 season. It's also expected to have a considerable impact on the printing, shipping and distribution costs associated with delivering brochures to millions of attendees over the course of the auto show season.

Digital Collateral is providing the technology platform, which enables visitors with smartphones to scan special, 2-dimensional "QR" barcodes that have been placed next to each model on the show floor. Scanning a code adds that model's brochure to an online library that can be viewed right from a phone, or from any computer after the show. Visitors without smartphones can send free SMS text messages to populate their libraries- so anyone capable of sending a text can make use of the platform. The service is complimentary, requires no pre-registration, and visitors' personal information is never revealed.

"Audi has always sought to deliver a superior experience through superior technology. Digital Collateral's software allows us to reach more consumers more efficiently, while simultaneously reducing the costs and environmental impact associated with delivering the information our customers want," said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. "We look forward to finding new ways to use the Digital Collateral platform as the season progresses."

"Digital Collateral is thrilled to partner with Audi for the 2010-2011 trade show season," said Jaxon Repp, CEO of the Denver-based startup.  "Audi customers are accustomed to having the very best technology at hand when they drive, and Digital Collateral is dedicated to making the most of the technology they have in their hands when they're at the show. Mobile marketing is only as impactful as the message you deliver, and the product brochures, videos, and websites we'll be delivering on behalf of Audi truly set them apart from everyone else at the show."

Audi will continue to offer this service at major auto shows throughout the rest of the 2010-2011 season in the U.S.

ABOUT AUDI

Audi of America, Inc. and its 276 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Between 2010 and 2012 the Audi Group is planning to invest around euro 5.5 billion, mainly in new products, in order to sustain the Company's technological lead. Visit audiusa.com or audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

ABOUT DIGITAL COLLATERAL

Digital Collateral is the world's simplest, most engaging mobile marketing platform. We can deliver an almost limitless variety of media to consumers at the moment of inspiration- capturing their attention and increasing engagement, and delivering the kind of real-time performance metrics previously only available to online marketers. Brands use Digital Collateral's QR and SMS Codes in TV, Print, Radio, Out-of-Home, Trade Show and Direct Mail campaigns across the US and Canada. Visit digitalcollateral.com to learn more.

SOURCE Audi of America, Inc.