Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler: “Europe needs to get back to growth and stability.”

From January 23 to 27 the Swiss winter sports resort of Davos will again be the meeting place for issues relating to the future of business and politics. This year, the discussion has the theme of “Resilient dynamism” and will concentrate on the issue of constant growth. “For me it means a growing economy that is more robust and less crisis-prone than we are experiencing at present,” says Stadler.

The Audi Chairman stresses that consumers will continue to be cautious, particularly in Europe. And that is why he foresees a fall in the sales figures in the European car markets. On the economic future in Europe he explains, “There has already been important reforms, which called for steely determination and enormous political willpower to institute. The major challenge now is to see those reforms through. Therefore I believe the dialog between individuals, governments, and business is hugely important.”

Over 2,500 experts will be discussing about future global issues at the World Economic Forum. As part of a supporting program Audi will be staging an exclusive pre-premiere in the Audi Lounge at the Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère this year. The carmaker will be presenting the new Audi RS6 Avant exclusively to all delegates at the venue. The car is not due to be unveiled officially to the public until March at the Geneva Motor Show.

At the same time, test drives will provide an insight into the sporty range of models in the Audi family. Delegates can choose from seven Audi models, including the Audi R8 Spyder, the Audi SQ5, and the Audi A7 Sportback. For anyone looking for something more than driving on regular roads, there is the opportunity to put their driving skills to the test on snow and ice as part of an Audi driving experience.

Since 1987 the brand with the four rings has been partnership with the World Economic Forum with a fleet of vehicles. This year too the Forum is attaching particular importance to minimizing the carbon dioxide emissions of all delegates during the entire event. With the “Towards a Greener Davos” initiative, the World Economic Forum prescribes a maximum figure of 191 g CO2/km (307.38 g CO2/mile). The Audi sedans in the fleet produce emissions of 171 g CO2/km (275.20 g CO2/mile), well under the required limit.