The Audi A6 now has another feather in its cap following the recent announcement that the luxury executive saloon has won Europe’s “Auto1” 2005 title.

Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, was presented with the “Auto1” award while attending the Geneva Motor Show.

Following numerous national trophies and victory in the “World Car of the Year” award, this is the latest stage in the success story of the new Audi A6, a car that was only launched in 2004.

The annual competition to find the winner of the “Auto1” title is held by the German trade magazine “Autobild” and its sister publications in a total of 21 European countries.

In the first round, the readers of “Autobild” voted in national qualifying contests and the Audi A6 won top billing in five countries, including Germany, Europe’s biggest car market. The overall result for all European reader votes was also dominated by the A6, clearly ahead of its rivals.

In the final round, the top ten competitors faced a 35-strong jury of experts. Engineers, racing drivers and motoring journalists subjected the candidates to an extensive and challenging driving test on a proving ground in Vizzola, Italy. The new Audi A6 impressed the jury members in equal measure with its dynamic performance, comfort, luxury equipment and vast spaciousness.

The new Audi A6 was launched in Australia in October 2004, with its Avant sibling due for local launch in July this year.