Audi attracting the best in the business!

We all know how well Toyota and Lexus have been doing in the US market. Their sales have been rising steadily over the years and they are now aiming to be the top car manufacturer in the world.

Most of their success though can be associated with their marketing abilities. They now exactly how to advertise them selves to the US people and that has been working for them very well. But now Audi has come along and stollen one of their main guys.

The general manager of the Portland region for Toyota has been tapped to be the chief operating officer for Audi of America Inc.

Mark Del Rosso, 43, an automotive sales executive and marketing specialist, joined Audi in Auburn Hills, Mich., on Thursday. Germany-based Audi AG's U.S. headquarters is moving from Auburn Hills to Herndon, Va., later this year.

The COO position has been vacant since the departure of Tom Del Franco in June 2007. Del Rosso will report to Audi Executive Vice President Johan de Nysschen.

Del Rosso, 43, joined Toyota in 1991 and served in various marketing and field positions in both the Toyota and Lexus divisions.

In his new role at Audi, Del Rosso will direct sales operations, vehicle distribution, market strategy and planning and corporate sales.

GermanNut - 1/4/2008 10:55:53 AM

-4 Boost

Audi is on a major winning streak.

Targa - 1/4/2008 11:00:14 AM

-3 Boost

This is good to see. Audi makes a great car. With the new diesels coming over, it should be a great future for Audi

M35MT - 1/4/2008 12:06:03 PM

+5 Boost

I think most of Toyota's marketing is weak. They sell cars on word of mouth and reputation, just like BMW. Ask ANYBODY about Toyota, they think reliable and pratical. Ask ANYBODY about BMW, and they think performance and status (think the general public, not enthusiasts please).

S4cabriofoxone - 1/4/2008 6:50:48 PM

+1 Boost

LOL, I like that ad.

I'm seeing S5 ads all over! They're finally pushing!

M53R - 1/4/2008 10:49:00 PM

+1 Boost

But the Luxury market is going down. Look at December sales, even Audi (who have the largest room to expand) is down..

pacotacolol - 1/5/2008 9:53:34 AM

+1 Boost

S5 is such a hot car. im tempted to sell my 2004 C-class for a S5

S4cabriofoxone - 1/5/2008 1:22:16 PM

+1 Boost

You're right, it is a great strategy, because a loaded S5 will only run you $600 more than a loaded 335xi, but it gives you more power, more speed, more style and a better interior.

GermanNut - 1/6/2008 12:29:49 PM

+1 Boost

It is a great product strategy because the S variants provide Audi with just the right gap in between the RS variants and the regular A cars.

Not to mention the loaded S5 is less than $650 more expensive than a loaded 335xi, but you get a faster, more powerful, and rarer car with infinitely more style than the BMW.