Audi Sponsors Fashion Week of the Americas(They Sure Have Flair)

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., March 14 -- Audi of America, Inc. has forged an alliance with Fashion Week of the Americas (FWA) -- the largest Latin American and Caribbean fashion event staged in the United States. This marks the first time in its four-year history that FWA will partner with a major corporation as presenting sponsor. Audi's actions through this commitment clearly follow the message expressed in their new corporate theme: Never quit. Never do the expected. Never rest on your laurels. Never think great is good enough. NEVER FOLLOW.

``The fashion world shares two important values with Audi -- design and emotion,'' said Maria Nahigian, Audi's event marketing manager. ``We look forward to supporting this international event in Miami which presents a unique opportunity for Audi to expand its global reach and brand awareness.''

Fashion Week of the Americas Presented by Audi will take place in South Beach, March 19 - 23, 2002. FWA will host more than 25 presenting designers, 600 international fashion media and retail buying offices representing nearly 100 U.S. specialty stores. Adding a distinctive SoBe flair to the international event will be runway shows staged beneath fashion tents located directly on the beach and ultra-chic events held poolside at the Roney Palace Beach Resort.

As presenting sponsor, Audi will present Hernan Zajar with the 2002 New Star in Fashion Award during the opening night festivities on March 19. On March 23, legendary designer Mary McFadden will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Fashion Award presented by Audi at a star-studded Awards ceremony featuring a Fall 2002 showcase of her designs. For more information about Fashion Week of the Americas Presented by Audi, visit www.fashionweekamericas.com .

Audi's stylish TT roadster will add a distinctive design and technology element to the events poolside at the Roney Palace. The TT made its fashionable grand entrance on March 1 when it was airlifted onto the pool deck at the Roney Palace Beach Resort. Throughout the week, additional Audi vehicles will be prominently displayed, on the beach near the fashion tents, with knowledgeable demonstrators.

``The fact that Fashion Week of the Americas has attracted a global style leader like Audi as its first presenting sponsor is a testament to the importance this event plays on the international design scene,'' said Beth Sobol, founder and executive producer of FWA. ``This year's event is truly tri-continental, with apparel design from Latin America and automotive design from Europe converging for the first time at a U.S. design event.''

Audi of America is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and markets a line of performance-oriented luxury vehicles: the A4, A6, A8, TT and the allroad quattro. Audi has also driven technology with its legendary quattro® all-wheel drive and its new multitronic(TM) continuously variable automatic transmission. In 2001, Audi broke its all-time U.S. sales record by selling a total of 83,283 vehicles through its 260 dealerships. 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 .

SOURCE: Audi of America, Inc.