AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (Nov. 26) - Audi of America, Inc. Monday announced it is the official automotive sponsor of the U.S. Ski Team. The partnership includes sponsorship of both the Team and key U.S. events.
Building on Audi's global commitment to skiing, as the title sponsor of the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup, Audi of America will be the official automotive sponsor of the U.S. Ski Team. Audi will supply vehicles to the U.S. Ski Team in the United States and Europe across all its teams including alpine, cross country, freestyle, nordic combined and ski jumping.
In addition to the Team sponsorship, Audi will be the title sponsor of the women's Audi Aspen Winternational FIS World Cup Dec. 7-9 in Aspen, CO, where Olympic champion Julia Mancuso and World Championship medalist Lindsey Vonn will be among the favorites.
Audi also will be associate sponsor of the Charles Schwab Birds of Prey men's World Cup races, which begin Thursday in Beaver Creek, CO, and the Feb. 1-2 Visa Freestyle International World Cup at Deer Valley Resort in Utah. All events will be broadcast on NBC Sports, Versus and WCSN.com, plus additional mobile and online distribution.
As part of the partnership, Audi will showcase vehicles and provide on-site signage as well as host various audience participation projects at each event to entertain crowds and garner attention for the Audi brand.
"The U.S. Ski Team is a globally recognized symbol of peak-performance and precision," said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. "Audi's enduring commitment to producing world-renowned, extraordinarily capable, luxury cars makes this relationship a perfect fit. Audi is proud to be helping the U.S. Ski Team achieve its goal of being the best in the world through Vancouver and beyond."
Audi's innovative quattro permanent all-wheel drive system makes Audi vehicles the ideal choice for tackling the unpredictable surfaces like snow and ice. The U.S. Ski Team chose Audi because they require the world's safest, most efficient and dependable transportation, no matter what extreme conditions they face.
"Both Audi and the U.S. Ski Team are committed to being the best. This partnership will help the Team in many ways including ensuring our athletes get around the many mountainous towns throughout the winter in a safe, reliable vehicle," said Ted Morris, U.S. Ski Team vice president of sales and marketing. "We also look forward to showcasing Audi vehicles at our marquee events especially the Audi Aspen Winternational this December where Julia Mancuso and Lindsey Vonn will lead the Team and take on the world."