Creditable performance guaranteed from innovative new Audi Card

The essence of Vorsprung durch Technik is distilled this week into the covetable Audi Card, a new way to pay for goods and services that offers Audi owners and enthusiasts the benefits of the most competitive credit cards, combined with a portfolio of Audi-specific advantages.

As pleasing to the touch as it is to the eye, in the best traditions of Audi design, the distinctive matt black Audi Card upholds the Vorsprung durch Technik principles of innovation and progress through attractive features that distance it from the majority. One of the most significant of these is the 0 per cent handling charge for foreign currency transactions - a break with credit card convention that means frequent travellers save money on every overseas purchase. The majority of card issuers apply a 2.75 per cent commission charge for each foreign transaction.

The new Audi Card, first announced on the Audi web site in March, also goes the extra mile by rewarding Audi drivers with a ten per cent discount on fixed maintenance costs* and Audi accessory purchases, bringing savings on everything from a new set of alloy wheels to a CD autochanger. It also offers a 12-month warranty extension for all major-brand domestic electrical purchases made using the card**, plus regular special discounts and prize draws open only to Audi Card customers.

In addition to its Audi-specific advantages, the new Audi Card offers all the bonuses expected of a major leading edge credit card, including 0 per cent interest on all card purchases for the first six months, purchase protection, identity theft protection, built-in travel insurance and a price match guarantee**.

Premium brand customer Service

The premium customer service Audi drivers have come to expect from a prestige brand has also been built into the support network for the new Audi Card. This includes Audi Alerts, a free monitoring system that warns of possible fraudulent transactions in progress and provides statement and general account information via text message and email.

And in the event that a problem arises requiring human intervention, that is exactly what Audi will provide. Instead of the often frustrating automated response telephone systems favoured by some card providers, Audi will ensure that day-to-day issues are resolved quickly and efficiently through a 24-hour fully staffed dedicated call centre.

Explaining the rationale behind the launch of the new Audi Card, Head of Marketing Nigel Brotherton said: "Audi has always been synonymous not only with progressiveness, but also with quality and dependability, and these attributes translate particularly well into the personal credit market, where customers value a combination of cutting edge services and rock solid peace of mind. Holders of the Audi Card will enjoy both, with some exclusive extras that exemplify Vorsprung durch Technik."

The Audi Card is available, subject to status, by post from the address overleaf, or via www.audicard.co.uk. Following approval and account activation, accounts can also be accessed and managed online.