Audi Setting New Standard for In-Vehicle After Sales Connectivity and Accessories

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ --

• iPod Satellite Adapter, iPhone Car Monitor App, Wireless Charger, illuminated floor mats among products to be shown at SEMA
• Audi Autonomous TTS Pikes Peak vehicle on display
• Audi R8 Custom Spyder by STaSIS among Audi vehicles on display

Existing and future Audi owners have something to look forward to when an eclectic array of After Sales products are revealed at Audi of America's first-ever SEMA Show exhibit. Scheduled for Nov. 2-5, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nev., the SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products event in the world.

The automaker is also upping the ante by showcasing two extraordinary vehicles sure to delight SEMA Show attendees—the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak (fresh from a dramatic run up the famous Colorado landmark) and a head-turning, power-packed Audi R8 Custom Spyder by STaSIS Engineering.

In an impressive display of technologies designed to enhance the Audi driving experience, the exhibit will feature:

--An iPod Satellite Adapter, effectively turning the Audi's Satellite Radio into an extension of the iPod, with enhancements that include a scan feature and track and artist display through the Audi vehicle's Satellite Radio;

--Custom Illuminated Floor Mats that add to the aesthetic appeal of the Audi interior, while contributing to safety when entering or leaving the vehicle;

--An iPhone Car Monitor App, offering motoring enthusiasts the ability to monitor, track and analyze key performance indicators for their Audi vehicle;

--A Wireless Charger that gives iPod and iPhone owners the ability to keep their devices fully juiced—minus the cords.

Audi of America will also use its SEMA Show exhibit to feature two of its standout vehicle projects:

--The Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak, an ongoing research project representing the efforts of Audi of America's Electronics Research Laboratory, Stanford University's Dynamics Design Lab, and Oracle, that integrates operating algorithms with its Java Real Time System.

--The Audi R8 Custom Spyder, a 710-horsepower super car from STaSIS Engineering.

--Four additional Audi vehicles serving as platforms for the After Sales technologies and featuring body modifications that make them SEMA-worthy in their own right: the A4, A5, plus the Q5 and Q7 Custom Concepts.

Bringing the automotive magic of Audi to the popular SEMA Show is a strategic move that the company expects to generate dividends for years to come.

"These technologies are definitely in line with the luxury amenities that Audi  owners have come to expect," said David Tait, Audi of America's lead After Sales executive. "We're quite certain that Audi owners will appreciate the opportunity to personalize their vehicles in exciting and interesting new ways. Our show cars represent the pinnacle of what owners can do with an Audi, and unleash a variety of opportunities for our vendors, as well."

The exhibit will also be equipped with special, Audi concept extreme sports gear, including snowboards and surfboards.

Audi of America's emphasis on After Sales and the expansion of its portfolio of Genuine Audi Accessories is already generating significant success on top of a record vehicles sales year. The strategy has resulted in an all-time record sales year in the U.S. for its parts and accessory business. 

The Audi of America SEMA exhibit will be located in the Mobile Electronics Area of the Las Vegas Convention Center's North Hall, Booth 11245. A full complement of Audi of America / After Sales news and information will be distributed during the show, and posted on www.audiusanews.com

ABOUT AUDI

Audi of America, Inc. and its 275 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