Sunset Audi General Manager Rob Roseta (left) with Audi of America Area General Manager Scott Swenson

Press Release//HERNDON, VA – Providing strong customer service while achieving high overall business performance was no simple feat as economic headwinds worsened toward the end of last year. Yet 35 Audi dealers nationwide excelled on both scores, earning Magna Society awards for 2008.

Audi established the Magna Society to recognize U.S. dealerships that stand out as the best-of-the-best. To qualify, dealerships can’t just meet or exceed sales targets. They must also demonstrate they are maintaining a solid financial foundation; merit high customer satisfaction scores; and show their facilities and staffs represent the progressive Audi culture.

“This is far more than a sales contest,” said Reinhard Fischer, director, Network Management, Audi of America. “It is a broad-based measurement of dealers leading the way in firmly establishing that the Audi experience is a superior experience for American luxury car buyers.”

The annual Magna Society awards thus mesh with long-range plans established by Audi and its franchise partners to make Audi facilities more exclusive. Between 2003 and 2011, Audi dealers have made plans to spend $1 billion on facilities – a level of investment that has changed little amid the current economic downturn. Since 2002, the number of exclusive Audi dealerships has increased a remarkable 70 percent to 126 out of 270 overall in the U.S.

“Commitment like this from dealers shows the excitement generated by the Audi brand and the collection of exceptional motor cars Audi has been introducing in recent years,” said Johan de Nysschen, president, Audi of America. “It is the basis for a very bright future for Audi, its dealer partners and, most of all, customers.”