Cooperation between science and industry is of prime importance for Audi. The latest cooperation was sealed on the occasion of a talk by Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management at Audi AG, on the subject of “electronics in automotive engineering” to students of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Dr. János Kövesi, co-director of the University of Technology and Economics and Prof. Dr. Winterkorn signed the framework agreement for the founding of the Audi Hungaria Institute (AHI Budapest). More than 200 students and guests from the worlds of politics and industry attended the event.

Winterkorn: “I am confident that the cooperation between Audi and Budapest University of Technology and Economics will result in new insights in the area of research and development and help to enhance the image of both parties”. Audi is already involved in successful academic cooperations with the Technical University of Munich and the Universities of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Karlsruhe and Stuttgart.

The aim of the Audi Hungaria Institute of Budapest is to strengthen the transfer of knowledge between sciene and industry, to ensure the provision and qualification of new staff at Audi Hungaria and to develop the strategic orientation of the university. The scope of these activities include individual projects being allocated to the university, e.g. in the areas of production planning and engine development.

The Budapest University of Technology and Economics is a strategic cooperation partner of the company. The cooperation with the university is an investment in the future for Audi Hungaria. Highly qualified engineers are a valuable asset for Audi Hungaria and guarantee that the company will continue to develop successfully. The practical orientation in the training of engineers and the advancement of university graduates’ German language skills are principal goals in this respect.

In 2003 Prof. Winterkorn was awarded the title of Honorary Professor by Budapest University of Technology and Economics. In recognition of his special commitment to the development of the Hungarian automotive industry, Winterkorn received the “Middle Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary” in the Hungarian parliament in March 2006.

AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft., a fully owned subsidiary of Audi AG and based in Győr, has been one of the principal engine suppliers for the Audi and Volkswagen Groups for thirteen years. In addition to this, the Audi TT Coupé and TT Roadster sports cars are assembled there. Audi Hungaria has been one of Hungary''s biggest exporters and one of the country’s highest-revenue companies for years. In 2005 1,693,609 engines were produced in Hungary (an increase of 14 percent compared to 2004). The series production of the second generation of the Audi TT began in mid-2006. 270,000 units of the first generation of the TT were built in total.