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Fourtitude Talks Shop With Rupert Stadler Chairman of the Audi
While attending the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, a group of American journalists representing most of the major automotive publications and a selection of specialty titles such as Fourtitude, were given the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Rupert Stadler, the recently appointed Chairman of the Audi AG Board of Directors.

Stadler isn't the stereotypical example of the chief for Audi. It's not his relatively young age that sets him apart either. Rather, it's his background in finance, rather than engineering, that has Stadler breaking the mold.

Having had several weeks to sit at the helm in Ingolstadt and get acquainted with his new post, Stadler took his spot at the table ready to answer all questions that the group would throw his way, some soft balls, some hard balls, and a few curves.

Fourtitude recorded the conversation and what you'll find below is a direct transcription of what transpired. As there were a number of journalists present, too many to accurately identify, those asking the questions have simply been given the ambiguous label of "Journalist". Audi of America executives Scott Keogh (Vice President, Marketing) and Jeff Kuhlman (Senior Communications Officer) also took part in the conversation, and have been so noted.

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Fourtitude Talks Shop With Rupert Stadler Chairman of the Audi



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chewychewy - 4/23/2007 1:47:06 PMView My AgentSpace
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
RS5 is basically confirmed in the article.

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RupertRupert - 4/23/2007 3:00:31 PMView My AgentSpace
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I love this guy's name :)

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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/23/2007 6:23:31 PMView My AgentSpace
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I knew you'd say something like that!


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/23/2007 6:24:41 PMView My AgentSpace
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
This guy seems fresher and more "with it" than most automotive execs. Hopefully, he'll give Audi a fresh marketing point, and his background in finance almost guarantees more profit. I'm excited.

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truecarlovertruecarlover - 4/24/2007 1:03:48 AM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Yes - his finance background definitely is important. You notice he talked more about "sustainable growth" and profits as opposed to total sales volume like some of their competitors are doing. Audi wants to grow smart. I'm suprised more people didn't actually read the article. They would learn a lot not just about Audi but about the car industry as a whole. I guess the title of the article wasn't controversial enough...?


NeverfollowNeverfollow - 4/24/2007 2:29:51 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Rupert Stadler was hand picked by Dr. Martin Winterkorn to take over as Chairman of Audi AG. He's been groomed for the position over the past several years and will continue to carry the message of the brand into the next decade. With Dr. Winterkorn as his solid partner at parent VW, we will continue to see Audi march towards its goal of world luxury dominance undeterred.

What you won't see is a reduction in anything that has made the product what it is today. Quality of materials and engineering will continue to improve despite his finance background. Cost savings will come mainly from MLP sharing more than anything else.

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