AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 11 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 Study(SM) 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.
ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA
Audi of America, Inc. offers a line of luxury vehicles that include the Audi A3 sport compact; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models, the high-revving RS 4 sport sedan and Cabriolet; the all new A5Coupe with FSI direct injection technology; the S5 Coupe with 354 hp; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the V-10 powered high performance S6 sedan; the Audi Q7 performance SUV; the new all-aluminum Audi A8 and A8L; the new S8 with V10 power; the all-new 2008 TT Coupe and Roadster models; and the all-new, all-aluminum R8, one of the most exclusive mid-engine sports cars in the world. Upcoming Audi vehicle launches in the USA include the updated A3 with quattro all-wheel drive (Sept. 2008), all-new A4 sedan/Avant (Sept. 2008), TTS coupe and Roadster (end 2008), Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (early 2009), and Audi Q5 (Q1 2009). For more information, please visit www.audiusa.com .