AUDI launches a selection of it's models for the 2017 model year, all with significant improvements.

Detail changes to the executive class Saloon, Avant and five-door Sportback ranges enhance styling, connectivity and comfort 

• New highlights for exterior, interior and equipment
• Even more connectivity and entertainment features
• A6 Saloon 2017 Model Year pricing from £32,995 OTR, Avant from £35,095
• S6 from £57,215 OTR, RS 6 Avant from £79,505 OTR
• A7 Sportback 2017 Model Year pricing from £46,865 OTR
• S7 Sportback from £64,380 OTR, RS 7 Sportback from £85,485 OTR
• UK ordering from May, first deliveries in the summer

In the spirit of ‘never standing still’ which is a key tenet of Vorsprung durch Technik, Audi is making some detail changes to its executive class A6 and A7 Sportback ranges. Carefully considered styling refinements enhance the perennially popular A6 Saloon and Avant lines, while all models benefit  from interior upgrades and new equipment. UK order banks for the latest A6 and A7 Sportback models and their S and RS counterparts will open in May and deliveries will start in the summer.

The basis for the newly updated A6 and A6 Avant ranges is a new SE Executive specification level, which replaces the entry level SE option available up to this point. It ushers in a new, bolder look courtesy of a new front apron incorporating more pronounced air inlets with gloss black horizontal struts, more sculpted side sills and a restyled rear bumper now housing a new diffuser at its lower edge.

The already more sporting stance struck by the S line and top flight Black Edition models has also been subtly enhanced by a new radiator grille with a matt black surround and chrome slats flanked by striking side air inlets also fringed with chrome.

Compatibility with the latest Audi connectivity and entertainment options is the headline news in the updated interiors of the A6 and A7 Sportback models. The Audi smartphone interface is now available for both models in combination with the optional Technology Pack, bringing Apple Car Play and Android Auto to the car.

If an iOS or Android smartphone is connected to the USB port (iOS from 7.1, Android from 5.0 Lollipop), the handset‘s contents such as navigation, phone, music and selected third party apps are offered in a separate MMI menu. They can be accessed conveniently by MMI or voice control. The Audi phone box feature that was already a part of the pack has also taken a step forward – as before it connects smartphones to the on‑board antenna by near-field coupling, but it now also offers the added convenience of inductive charging of compatible handsets (to Qi standard).   

Detail upgrades to the standard equipment lists have also been made across the A6, A7 Sportback, S6 and S7 Sportback and A6 allroad ranges, starting with the addition of LED interior lighting, front seat heating, electric lumbar adjustment and elegant Aluminium Ellipse inlays for A6 SE Executive models over and above the previous SE specification.

At the pinnacle of the range, the 560PS RS 6 and RS 7 Sportback and their even more powerful 605PS RS 6 performance and RS 7 Sportback performance counterparts are now available in an expanded palette of matt effect colours including Sepang Blue, Nardo Grey, Glacier White and Floret Silver.

Equipment highlights for every A6 and A7 Sportback model already include bi-xenon or all-LED headlamps with LED tail lights, acoustic front glazing, full leather upholstery, MMI navigation, deluxe four-zone climate control, the Audi Music Interface channelled through the 180-watt Audi Sound System and various versions of the Audi parking system.

Audi's A3, A6 and Q5 all have earned the top award from the IIHS, the Top Safety Pick+.

• The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award is the highest safety rating available
• A3 and Q5 models achieve Top Safety Pick+ rating when equipped with optional Driver Assistance package
• A6 earns Top Safety Pick+ award when built after January 2015 and when equipped with optional Driver Assistance Package

The Audi A3 Sedan, Audi A6 Sedan and Audi Q5 crossover earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an independent organization that is one of the most important arbiters of automotive safety in the U.S. market. 

The 2016 Audi models received the highest possible ratings of “good” for each crash test within the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ program, including the Small Overlap Front Crash test.

The available Driver Assistance package, when equipped, earns the Audi A3 and Q5 an advanced rating for front crash prevention, along with the Audi A6 when built after January 2015. The Driver Assistance package available on all three models includes adaptive cruise control with stop & go functionality, Audi active lane assist and high beam assistant. The A6 also features a top view camera system and the Q5 model includes the Audi parking system plus. The Audi brand continues to address evolving criteria for consumer crash tests as designated by the IIHS by elevating standards of automotive engineering.

IIHS Safety Awards

IIHS tests evaluate two aspects of safety: crashworthiness — how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash — and crash avoidance and mitigation — technology that can prevent a crash or lessen its severity

To determine crashworthiness, IIHS rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal or poor, based on performance in five tests: moderate overlap front, small overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints.

In the area of crash avoidance and mitigation, IIHS assigns vehicles with available front crash prevention systems ratings of basic, advanced or superior, based on the type of system and performance in track tests.

Audi launches the new A6 Allroad Avant, leaner, meaner and greener, all in one stunning package.

Recently introduced Sport trim enriches the already broad appeal of the Audi A6 allroad quattro

• Sport specification can now be ordered on all new A6 allroad quattro models
• Standard specification additions include new 19-inch alloy wheels, all-LED headlights, dynamic rear LED turn signals, electrically adjustable front sport seats and privacy glass
• Range of three V6 TDI powerplants available with outputs of 218 PS, 272 PS or 320PS
• Sport pricing starts from £49,455 OTR – available to order now

The sure-footed Audi A6 allroad, the quattro all-wheel-driven and air suspended Avant that is already notable as one of the most effective insulators against difficult winter driving conditions, is now available with an enhanced specification that makes it an even more protective and pampering means of weathering the storms.

Recently introduced Sport versions of the A6 allroad can be ordered now in time for delivery during the fast-approaching winter months, when the adhesive qualities of the quattro system and the raised ride height afforded by the standard four-level air suspension come into their own. 

To these, and the many other equipment items included in the standard model, Sport specification adds full LED headlights that replace the bi-xenon units of ‘standard’ A6 allroad models to further enhance visibility in the darkest conditions. 

A high beam assist function is also added as standard to automatically dip the beam when oncoming traffic is approaching. At the rear in Sport models, dynamic LED turn signals that operate in a sweeping motion increase safety and awareness for other road users.  

New 10-spoke design 19-inch alloy wheels with a matt titanium finish, privacy glass and heated and folding mirrors round out the exterior enhancements, while inside sports seats in upgraded Valcona leather with full electric adjustment are complemented by luxurious Alcantara door inserts. 

These add to an already extensive equipment list that includes features such as SD card navigation, the Audi Music Interface, powered tailgate operation, the Audi parking system plus and deluxe four-zone air conditioning.

Rugged ability in any weather

Adaptive air suspension is fitted to every A6 allroad, endowing it with accomplished all-terrain ability but also a cossetting ride quality that absorbs even the harshest of road imperfections.

A dynamic or comfort mode can be selected using the Audi drive select system, and the suspension automatically adjusts to reduce aerodynamic drag at speeds above 74 mph by lowering the body by 15 mm. When more ground clearance is required, a lift mode can be engaged at the push of a button, raising ride height by 10 mm.

When negotiating more substantial off-road trails, the driver can easily monitor the impressive 20° slope angle and 17° ramp angle capability using the tilt angle display, which can be called up via the central MMI screen. Hill hold assist and hill descent control, which maintains a constant vehicle speed between five and 18 mph, are also standard.

Assistance and safety enhancements

Matrix LED headlights can be fitted as an option to dramatically increase the overall range and spread of illumination. A total of 64 separate projectors maintain a constant high beam function without dazzling other road users by electronically dimming segments when oncoming traffic or light sources are detected. The advanced units adapt to shift the light position in corners, while information from the navigation system automatically adjusts the full beam when entering or leaving built-up areas.

A head-up display can furnish the driver with essential information directly in the line of vision to reduce distraction, including speed and route navigation data. Also available is the innovative night vision assistant, which is capable of alerting the driver to people and large animals well in advance by using thermal imaging.

The more practical side of the allroad quattro can be further exploited by fitting a mechanically operated tow bar and a convenience pack, offering further storage and practicality solutions such as hard-wearing floor mats, a through-load facility and a luggage fixing kit.

V6 TDI engine range

A choice of three EU6-compliant six-cylinder TDI engines power the new A6 allroad quattro in standard and Sport specification. The 218 PS and 272 PS engines are mated to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, while the 320 PS and 650Nm output of the BiTDI is fed to the wheels via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

The latter ensures brisk performance of only 5.5 seconds to 62 mph and a 155 mph limited top speed. Up to 43.5 mpg is achievable, linked to CO₂ output of 172 g/km. Combined fuel efficiency increases to a possible 50.4 mpg for the 218 PS and 51.4 mpg for the 272 PS, while CO₂ drops to 149 and 145 g/km respectively.

Model	Engine	Pricing (OTR)
A6 allroad Sport	V6 TDI 218 PS	£49,455
A6 allroad Sport	V6 TDI 272 PS	£51,015
A6 allroad Sport	V6 BiTDI 320 PS	£55,825
A6 allroad	V6 TDI 218 PS	£45,755
A6 allroad	V6 TDI 272 PS	£47,315
A6 allroad	V6 BiTDI 320 PS	£52,125

Volkswagen Group suffers it's first decline in China sales for TEN YEARS, Porsche was the only saviour.

Volkswagen Group's China sales fell nearly 17 percent year on year to 250,000 vehicles in June as the country's slowing economy continued to hamper foreign mass-market brands. It also marked the first time in 10 years that the company's China sales fell in the first half of a year.

In June, VW brand deliveries plunged nearly 22 percent, Audi volume declined 5.8 percent and Skoda sales decreased 15 percent. Porsche was a bright spot, with sales up 71 percent.

In the first six months, Volkswagen Group sold 1.74 million vehicles in China, a decline of 3.9 percent from a year earlier. First-half sales in China last fell in 2005, when deliveries slumped 14 percent.

Auto sales have slowed this year in China after economic growth moderated, more cities capped the number of new vehicles, and a volatile stock market diverted funds from auto purchases. Demand has slowed for VW and other carmakers in China despite increasing discounts and financial assistance to distributors.

The VW brand is also suffering from a lineup of mostly older SUVs and crossovers that now compete with lower-priced competitors from Chinese automakers.

While VW's decline in China reflects the weaker market, the carmaker has also been slow to adapt to changing tastes, said Robin Zhu, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co.

"VW has problems of its own," said Zhu, who is based in Hong Kong. "The brand in particular is a very sedan-centric fleet in an environment where there is this big switch to sport utility vehicles."

To revive sales over the long term, Volkswagen plans to launch a line of low-priced vehicles -- including a sedan, SUV and hatchback -- in China in 2018.

The vehicles, to be built in China, will be priced from 8,000 to 11,000 euros (53,800 to 74,000 yuan).

REPORT HERE

AUDI AG tips the 900,000 sales in the first six months, the first time the brand has achieved this feat.

• Cumulative deliveries worldwide up 3.8 percent; up 1.3 percent in June
• Sales chief Luca de Meo: “Continued growth despite upcoming model changes and challenging markets”
• European sales of the new Audi TT climb by 78.1 percent

Compared with the same period last year, AUDI AG’s worldwide sales from January to June increased by 3.8 percent to around 902,400 cars. For the first time in the company’s history, more than 900,000 customers had already chosen the brand with the four rings by mid-year. 

Even though important model changes are imminent in a number of markets, sales climbed further in all world regions – particularly on the American continent (+12.4%). In June, worldwide deliveries of around 157,450 were slightly above the level of the same month last year (+1.3%).

“So far, 2015 has been a year of challenges for us. We are meeting these challenges successfully and remain on track,” says Luca de Meo, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. 

“Many markets have become significantly more difficult, especially in Asia and Eastern Europe. In addition, we are preparing for new generations in key volume models and markets. These make up around 40 percent of our global sales.”

As successor to the top-selling Audi model, the new A4 will first be launched in Europe in the fourth quarter. In the full-size class, the new Q7 arrived at dealers in the first European markets in June before successively premiering in the other regions of the world. 

The model changeover for the updated generation of the A6 is also still underway in some regions. Strong growth in the first half of the year was recorded by the globally available A3 family, up 35 percent to around 195,350 cars delivered. Demand for the Q3 (+7.5% to around 100,950 cars) and Q5 (+3.9% to around 126,200 cars) SUV models also continued to grow.

SUV sales showed particularly strong growth in the United States where the combined models of the Q3, Q5 and Q7 increased by 28.5 percent in the first half of the year. Across the entire lineup, the United States achieved the highest increase in sales among the ten largest Audi sales markets with growth of 11 percent to 93,615 deliveries. 

Significant increases in Canada (+19.6% to 13,463 cars) and Brazil (+39.4% to 8,683 cars) also made the American continent the growth engine for Audi during the first half of the year: up 12.4 percent to around 127,100 customers. Audi’s dynamic pace in the region continued unabated in June with an 8.3 percent increase to 18,262 deliveries in the U.S. market and a 42.9 percent increase in sales in South America to around 2,350 units.

In Europe, the new generations of the A6 (+9.2% to around 52,400 cars) and A7 (+23.9% to around 6,300 cars) provided positive momentum in the first half of the year. The new TT also significantly expanded its customer base

(+78.1% to around 12,300 cars). 

Across the entire range of models, deliveries of the four rings increased in Western Europe by 4.1 percent to around 394,600 since the beginning of the year. In June, sales in the region reached around 67,100 cars delivered to customers, an increase of 4.9 percent. 

Among the major Western European markets, cumulative demand increased notably in Spain (+10.3% to 25,146 cars), Italy (+7.9% to 28,030 cars) and Germany  (+5.5% to 147,763 cars). In contrast, the strong market downturn in Russia continued during the first half of the year (-32.3% to 12,155 cars).

Market developments in the Asia-Pacific region were also mixed in the first half of the year. While South Korea (+9.0% to 14,560 cars) joined the ranks of Audi’s top ten sales markets for the first time, and Australia also reported significant growth (+17.4% to 11,339 cars), the declining overall market in Japan was reflected in Audi’s sales performance: down 1.8 percent to 15,718 cars. 

In China, the brand was able to increase its sales slightly by 1.9 percent to 273,853 cars since January, but the current restraint of Chinese customers in the upper market segments is also clearly felt by the leading premium car company. In June, the sales figures of Audi in China declined by 5.8 percent to 47,831 cars delivered.

Sales for AUDI AG	In June			Cumulative
	2015	2014	Change from 2014	2015	2014	Change from 2014
World	157,450	155,459	+1.3%	902,400	869,357	+3.8%
Europe	71,650	69,233	+3.5%	419,900	410,037	+2.4%
- Germany	24,165	23,502	+2.8%	147,763	140,003	+5.5%
- UK	13,828	13,545	+2.1%	86,376	83,357	+3.6%
- France	5,481	5,263	+4.1%	30,653	30,502	+0.5%
- Italy	4,873	4,845	+0.6%	28,030	25,979	+7.9%
- Spain	4,688	4,168	+12.5%	25,146	22,789	+10.3%
- Russia	2,007	3,000	-33.1%	12,155	17,966	-32.3%
USA	18,262	16,867	+8.3%	93,615	84,349	+11.0%
Mexico	1,235	1,111	+11.2%	6,568	6,205	+5.9%
Brazil	1,525	835	+82.6%	8,683	6,229	+39.4%
China (incl. Hong Kong)	47,831	50,756	-5.8%	273,853	268,666	+1.9%