Audi Returns as Title Sponsor for the Birds of Prey Men's Alpine World Cup Ski Race

HERNDON, Va., Nov. 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi of America announced today that it will return as the official automotive sponsor of the Audi Birds of Prey Men's Alpine World Cup ski race taking place Dec. 3 through 5, 2010, at Beaver Creek in Vail, CO.  As a returning sponsor, Audi will continue to support U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association's (USSA) talented athletes while supplying Audi vehicle transportation in the United States and Europe for all USSA teams including Alpine, Cross Country, Freestyle, Nordic Combined, and Ski Jumping.

As the only men's World Cup stop in America, the Audi Birds of Prey is now one of the world's premier ski events featuring an international roster of top athletes for three days of racing including Downhill, Super G and Giant Slalom.  

The sponsorship of the U.S. Ski Team is part of Audi's global commitment to professional skiing and aligns with the brands dedication to high performance and unparalleled technology.  As part of Audi's continued commitment to world cup skiing, Audi will also be a sponsor of the Women's Alpine World Cup, 2010 Aspen Winternational, Nov. 27 through 28, 2010; and Denver FIS Big Air, Ski Big Air, Jan. 26 through 27, 2011.

For over 5 years, Audi-sponsored USSA events have included top talent, including Ladies' Downhill 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist Lindsey Vonn; Ladies' Downhill 2010 Olympic Silver Medalist Julia Mancuso; 2009 World Championship Giant Slalom skier Ted Ligety; and Mens' Super-G 2010 Olympic Bronze Medalist Andrew Weibrecht.

In 2009, Audi sponsored Truth in Motion, a documentary following the U.S. Ski Team on the road to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics which premiered on NBC on Jan. 30, 2010.  

About the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA)

The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) is the national governing body of Olympic skiing and snowboarding. Developed to facilitate participation in national and international competition, the Olympic sports organization provides structure for competitive skiing and snowboarding. From grassroots programs to governance of sport, management of rules, competitions and athletic rankings, the USSA oversees athletic pipelines for development in the sports. With a vision to make the USA the best in the world in Olympic skiing and snowboarding, the USSA provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders who share an Olympic dream while maintaining a strong adherence to core values. The USSA, established in 1905, operates out of the national training and education facility, the Center of Excellence, in Park City, UT. For more information, visit www.usskiteam.com (http://www.usskiteam.com)  and www.ussnowboarding.com (http://www.ussnowboarding.com)

ABOUT AUDI

Audi of America, Inc. and its 272 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. Over the next few years, AUDI AG expects to spend nearly $2 billion annually on new products and technology. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

SOURCE Audi of America, Inc.