Audi of America Renews its Commitment to San Diego Opera

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Jan. 9 -- San Diego Opera is pleased to announce that Audi of America, Inc. has committed to its sixth consecutive year as the Opera's season sponsor.

``We are very proud to continue our support of the San Diego Opera for another amazing season, and excited about the upcoming promotions,'' said Audi Event Marketing Manager Maria Nahigian. ``There are so many facets of the opera that resonate with the Audi Brand including our core values -- advanced technology, design, performance and emotion.''

``Audi's commitment to supporting the San Diego Opera continues to set a new standard in the world of opera,'' said General Director Ian Campbell. ``Especially in times of economic uncertainty, to be able to rely on a corporate partner like Audi is invaluable. Audi's global involvement with opera confirms that the arts are a crucial part of our lives and that supporting artistic endeavor is, if anything, more important than ever.''

Audi's visionary support includes ``A Driving Force'' test drive contest, whose lucky winner will receive a one-year lease on the all-new 2002 A4 sedan. The contest starts on Saturday, January 19, 2002 (opening night of San Diego Opera's 37th International Season), and concludes with a random drawing on Sunday, April 14. To enter the contest, take a test drive and complete an entry form at any one of the three San Diego County Audi Dealers -- Hoehn Audi, Metro Audi or Miramar Audi. For more information, please visit http://www.sdopera.com/Audi or call 619-232-7636.

Audi of America is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and markets a line of performance-oriented luxury cars: the A4, A6, A8, TT and the allroad quattro. Several of these models (including the brand's flagship A8 with its revolutionary Aluminum Space Frame) will be elegantly displayed along with knowledgeable demonstrators outside the Civic Theatre in connection with opera performances throughout the season, which runs from January through May. Audi's event marketing programs center around the performing arts, lifestyle and sporting events. For more information about additional Audi-related events and corporate news, visit www.audiusa.com .

San Diego Opera was founded in 1965 and is currently one of the top ten opera companies in the United States, as rated by OPERA America, a national organization serving the opera community. Under the leadership of General Director Ian Campbell, the Company presents five grand opera productions and special recital and concert events each season featuring major international opera stars and the best young American singers. For additional information about the opera, please visit www.sdopera.com .