Audi has shrugged off the effects of the global economic crisis and again posted a clear operating profit of EUR 348 million in the third quarter of the current fiscal year (2008: EUR 760 million). Over the first three quarters of the current fiscal year, Audi has thus achieved an operating return of 5.4 percent (2008: 8.0 percent), making it one of the top performers in the industry.

"AFI FEST 2009 presented by Audi," the longest running Los Angeles-based film festival, opens Friday with Audi as its presenting sponsor for the sixth consecutive year. The nine-day event kicks off award season with assorted world and U.S. film premieres, red carpet galas, and special events.

Sleek outfit and individual mobility: The athletes of the German Ski Association (DSV) received their team-wear for the Olympic season at adidas and, at the same time, their new Audi company cars. The keys were handed over to them by the brand new DTM Champion Timo Scheider. While the selection of models varied, the whole team chose the same color: All athletes will be driving cars sporting an elegant quartz-gray.

AUDI AG is continuing on its growth curve in China: Yesterday the company already exceeded last year's unit sales volume. This makes 2009 the most successful year in Audi's 21-year history in China. Since January, Audi has delivered 118,196 cars in China, an increase of 22 percent over the corresponding prior-year period.

What do Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Franck Ribéry have in common? All three are exceptional international soccer players and, like their teammates, travel to their daily practice sessions in Audi vehicles. Today, the players of Spanish record champion Real Madrid received their new models. The cars ranking at the top of Christoph Metzelder, Xavi Alonso, Kaká & company's list of favorites: the Audi Q7, Audi A5 Cabrio and Audi RS 6.

Befitting its 100th anniversary, Audi has written another chapter of motorsport history. The brand is the first ever automobile manufacturer to achieve a title hat-trick in the prestigious international touring car racing series: After 2007 and 2008, Audi has clinched the coveted trophy for the third consecutive time.

Timo Scheider and Audi did it: Last year?s winner successfully defended his DTM title in the 2009 season in the A4 DTM. This makes Audi the first brand to have won the title for the third consecutive time in the history of the DTM that has been held since 1984.

Audi will also start to the finale of the 2009 DTM from grid position one. For the eighth time, in the tenth race, an Audi A4 DTM took the pole position. For the third consecutive time, the Swede Mattias Ekström will start from the top slot on the grid at the Hockenheimring. Leader of the standings Timo Scheider, in third place, put himself in a position to successfully defend his DTM title on Sunday.

In addition to members of AUDI AG’s executive board, many guests of the brand have also announced their attendance at the title decision of the DTM finale at Hockenheim (Sunday, starting at 1:45 pm live on "Das Erste") – and Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen will receive a unique farewell gift at Hockenheim.

The kickoff of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup in Sölden on October 24 and 25 marks the start to an action-packed season for the athletes, culminating in the Olympic Games in Vancouver in March 2010. In Sölden, fans and spectators will experience the Four Rings with new visuals: For the first time, Audi will present itself sporting the brand’s new corporate design.