"If last year was about strengthening our foundation, 2025 will be focused on driving growth based on new strategies through enhanced networks and collaboration with dealer partners."

Steve Klotz, President of Audi Korea, held a "New Year Media Roundtable" at the Yeongbin Hall of the Shilla Hotel in Seoul on the 13th, where he unveiled the company's strategy for the year. The key strategies for this year include delivering premium value, actively responding to changing customer demands, and adapting to changes in the automotive environment.

Audi Korea plans to expand its customers' options by launching a total of 16 new models this year, including the electric vehicle 'The New Audi Q6 e-tron,' the A6 e-tron, and internal combustion engine models like 'The New Audi A5' and 'The New Audi Q5.' This will be the largest number of new car launches ever in global markets, including South Korea.

President Klotz stated, "This year, Audi Korea will focus on expanding its network strategy, with the goal of a new leap for the Audi brand, based on a strong partnership with our dealer partners. We will work to ensure that customers can continue to experience the premium brand in a more convenient and accessible way."

The model Audi Korea is focusing on this year is the Q6 e-tron, which is the first production model to apply the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) technology jointly developed by Audi and Porsche. It received the highest rating in the Euro NCAP test, the European new car safety evaluation. The Q6 e-tron is equipped with a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery, allowing for a maximum driving range of up to 641 km on a single charge according to the WLTP standard. The vehicle will be delivered to customers starting with an official launch event next month.

President Klotz stated, "Despite the challenges in the electric vehicle market last year, the Q4 e-tron has solidified its position as a leader in the premium electric vehicle segment in the Korean market." He added, "We will continue to align with changing customer demands and environmental changes, striving to contribute to the development of sustainable mobility with innovative technologies and products." He further emphasized, "We must strengthen our partnership with dealers and pursue sustainable growth as one Audi team."

The New Audi A5 and The New Audi Q5 will be launched as internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid models. These models are equipped with the newly developed "PPC" (Premium Platform Combustion) platform. The New Audi A5 is a coupe-style sedan that combines the strengths of Audi's representative mid-sized sedans, the A4 and A5. The New Audi Q5, on the other hand, is a completely redesigned version of Audi's signature SUV, the Q5, and features next-generation high-efficiency engines that significantly enhance its output.

In particular, Audi Korea plans to expand customer touchpoints by transforming its showrooms into flagship store concepts in the form of city mall showrooms starting this year. As a result, the number of showrooms will increase from the existing 33 to 35, and the number of service centers will also be expanded from 32 to 37.

President Klotz stated, "We plan to establish a network where customers can access a service center within 30 minutes in areas with a high concentration of customers, such as Seoul and Gyeonggi." He added, "For routine maintenance and regular inspections, we will operate service stations in a non-face-to-face format, ensuring that customers can receive service 24/7 year-round."

Meanwhile, Audi Korea sold only 9,304 units in 2023, a sharp decline of 47.9% compared to the previous year, due to the prolonged global economic downturn and high interest rates.

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