- Audi adds more #DriveProgress initiatives with partnership of VOGUE Codes events in Sydney and Melbourne.
- VOGUE Codes encourages female innovation and supports empowerment by technology
- #DriveProgress is the start of an important conversation to which Audi is committed
Sydney, June 13, 2018 – As part of a commitment to driving more inclusive conversations around cars and technology, Audi Australia is supporting VOGUE Magazine's VOGUE Codes events in 2018, as part of its broader #DriveProgress campaign.
Audi's #DriveProgress campaign is geared towards changing the way carmakers speak to customers, especially women, to ensure a more diverse and inclusive approach to the Australian automotive audience. The new partnership with VOGUE Codes demonstrates the importance of understanding, creating and promoting technology and innovation as career choices for young women.
"For VOGUE to promote future female innovation and digital creation through this annual series of events, is not only important – it is empowering and essential in today's society, and something that has driven Audi forward for decades," said Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia.
"Women like motoring racing legend Michele Mouton, and her famous international rallying success in the 80s, as well as Leena Gade, who was lead engineer for Audi for several of the brand's historic Le Mans 24 hours victories, hold an important place in the history of the Audi brand. Our history as a progressive, or Vorsprung brand demonstrate why this #DriveProgress initiative is so important."
The VOGUE Codes event series runs across two states, in Melbourne and Sydney, and features key speakers who are able to inspire their female audience, with a focus on business, innovation and technology.
New for 2018 and presented by Audi, VOGUE has added a new 'In Conversation' series, which recognises and promotes women who have driven progress in their own field.
The breakfast events have been a sell-out success with around 250 women attending this week and featuring inspirational women who have driven progress in their own fields including Lisa Wilkinson, Sandra Sully (media), Zoe Foster-Blake (business) and Marita Cheng (robotics). The events, held at Vue de monde in Melbourne and Bistro Guillaume in Sydney are co-hosted by Edwina McCann, editor in Chief of Vogue and Paul Sansom, Audi's Managing Director.
The VOGUE Codes events feature the technology-leading all-new Audi A8 for the first time, giving guests the perfect opportunity to see and experience one of the most advanced vehicles on the market ahead of its Australian launch next month.
"With #DriveProgress, we are cutting through all the jargon to make innovation and technology real and relevant, and to help all drivers understand how Audi uses technology to make our customers lives simpler," said Anna Burgdorf, Audi's Director of Marketing and Communications.
"VOGUE Codes is the perfect opportunity to connect with an audience that is progressive, inspired by successful people and interested in supporting women in technology and business, and to share Audi's 'Vorsprung' spirit in the best possible way. We firmly believe that what you drive should enable your lifestyle, not complicate it."
Audi officially launched #DriveProgress at the Audi and InStyle Women of Style event in May 2018, marking a decade of partnership with InStyle magazine.
Other #DriveProgress initiatives include a pilot program with Mission Australia called 'Women in Automotive' which encourages single mothers from disadvantaged communities to train and work in the automotive industry through a vocational program, and Audi's partnership with GQ Man of the Year which supports and promotes progressive Australian men. The company is also partnering with the UK-based Women Ahead to launch a cross-company mentoring initiative in Australia.
– ENDS –
The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in 12 countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).
In 2016, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.868 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,457 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 55,451 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2016 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €59.3 billion and an operating profit of €3.1 billion. At present, approximately 88,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.