AUDI LAUNCHES AN INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT UK YOUTH

Audi is launching an innovative not-for-profit organisation this week designed to support and encourage young engineers and designers in the United Kingdom. Called the Audi Foundation, this new initiative was launched in Bath on Saturday 19th July
at the Audi Foundation Inaugural Ball - it's first major fund-raising initiative.

"Audi is a company which is built on excellence in engineering and design and we hold these principles in high esteem," Len Hunt, Director of Audi UK said. "It is a logical and exciting initiative for Audi - through the Audi Foundation - to encourage
youth in these areas to innovate and directly help them to bring their ideas to fruition."

The Audi Hot air balloon against the background of,
Royal Crescent, Bath, Sunday 20th.July 1997.

The Audi Foundation is a separate legal entity from Audi. Although it will be partly funded by Audi UK, it will also seek to raise its own independant funds. Day-to-day management and development will be handled by a dedicated manager (currently being recruited) but the Audi Foundation will ultimately be governed by a Board of Trustees. While initially this Board will be comprised of 2-3 senior Audi managers, it will eventually grow to a total of 4-5 trustees who will be recruited from appropriate industry or education backgrounds. It will also eventually take guidance from an advisory committee consisting of respected industry leaders.

Andrea Byard, Director of the project.

The Impressive, 1996 AutoTrader RAC Championship touring car, on show

In the first year, the Audi Foundation will provide financial support only. From year two, however, resources offered to applicants will broaden to include professional or technical assistance.
Those applying to the Audi Foundation for financial, technical or professional support will be asked to meet certain criteria regarding their projects. If support is granted, the Audi Foundation manager will stay in close contact to monitor progress and reports will be presented to both the Board of Trustees and Advisory Board so that they are aware of the student's progress.
Apart from directly supporting young people in design and engineering, the Audi Foundation will draw on the direction and support of Audi itself, as well as the individual members of the Advisory Committee, to set up industry-wide initiatives which will help to identify important and emerging issues that concern the motoring industry, although activity will not be restricted to the motoring industry.
"We are breaking new ground with the Audi Foundation," explains Hunt, "and we now have the means to encourage and support the incredible pool of design and engineering talent the United Kingdom is famous for."

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Drivers Championship Winning Driver - Frank Biela (Audi A4 quattro)

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Manufacturers Championship - Winner - Audi

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Teams Championship. Winning Team - Audi Sport Uk.

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