2015 Audi S4 3.0t Quattro Prestige Awd 4dr Sedan 7a on 2040-cars

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LTE technology puts Audi in the driver's seat

The recently-launched Audi A3 Sportback was first-to-market with Long Term Evolution (LTE), or 4G, and LTE integration for connectivity on the move is an idea swirling all through the automotive world. Automakers see the faster speeds and faster responses of LTE compared to 3G as making it possible to one day have streaming video, cloud gaming, more intensive apps and even a virtual office with videoconferencing in your car. It will also enable more progress in machine-to-machine (M2M) adoption, giving cars a real-time ability to speak to one another and to infrastructure.
A video by Audi Deutschland looks at what might be possible not only for the average driver in an LTE-equipped car, but how a professional chauffeur might make the most of a car that can help him get his VIP passengers from carport to red carpet safely and on time. You can watch it below.

VW Group to split brands under four holding companies

The Volkswagen Group is planning a tremendous shift in its internal structure that will decentralize operations by splitting its 12 brands into four different holding companies. Here's the breakdown. Things will be split logically, considering the inter-sharing of parts, platforms, and engines. The Volkswagen brand, Seat, and Skoda make up a passenger vehicle division led by former BMW man Herbert Diess. Audi, which is tightly intertwined with Lamborghini and motorcycle manufacturer Ducati, will be managed by current Audi exec Rupert Stadler. Porsche and Bentley, which are already quite close, will be joined by Bugatti and run by Matthias Mueller. Finally, a commercial vehicles division will include Volkswagen Commercial, Scania, and Man. Former Daimler exec Andreas Renschler will take care of the big vehicles. The massive move, according to Automotive News Europe, is part of an internal VAG effort to move away from the structure established by ousted Chairman Ferdinand Piech, who favored a compact, but highly centralized, management structure to oversee the independent actions of the company's brands. Criticism of Piech's arrangement stemmed from the company's slow responses to changes in the market, ANE reports. The new structure should make for a more efficient, streamlined company that's better able to make crucial decisions. What are your thoughts? Should VAG decentralize, or did Piech have the right idea? Have your say in Comments.

Buy an Audi, get some free shoes

Audi is preparing to launch its annual Summer of Audi sales event, and while it might be a good time to get your hands on one of the brand's luxury vehicles, it's also a good chance to get your feet in a pair of exclusive Toms shoes. The shoemaker, which is famous for donating a pair of shoes to a person in need as part of its One For One program, plans to donate some 55,000 shoes as part of the Audi program. Here's how it works: anyone that leases or purchases an Audi – new or certified pre-owned – between June 3 and Aug. 4 gets a pair of the limited-edition shoes. Toms then turns around and donates shoes for children in need. "Through Toms One for One giving program Audi will help change the lives of thousands of children in the United States and empower new customers to be a part of this movement," Audi of America marketing director Loren Angelo said. "With Toms, we found a natural partnership. Audi aligns with likeminded companies that challenge the conventions of design and share a passion for progressive ideas." Expect to hear more about this program in the coming days as part of a television campaign featuring both the shoes and the RS7. Until then, check out the limited-edition kicks up top. Audi and TOMS® collaborate for limited-edition shoe designed exclusively for Audi buyers June 03, 2015 | HERNDON, Virginia TOMS One for One® giving program will provide 55,000 shoes to children in need this summer Customers who purchase or lease a vehicle during the Summer of Audi Sales Event will receive a pair of exclusively-designed TOMS iconic Alpargata shoes New Summer of Audi television commercial set to debut nationally Through an exclusive collaboration, Audi and TOMS have designed a limited-edition Alpargata shoe that will be available to Audi buyers during the Summer of Audi Sales Event (http://www.audiusa.com/myaudi/toms-partnership). From June 3 through August 4, customers* who purchase or lease a new or Certified pre-owned Audi vehicle will receive an offer for a pair of exclusively-designed TOMS featuring the four rings. In turn, through TOMS innovative giving program, 55,000 shoes will be donated to children in need. "Through TOMS One for One giving program Audi will help change the lives of thousands of children in the United States and empower new customers to be a part of this movement," said Loren Angelo, Director of Marketing, Audi of America. "With TOMS, we found a natural partnership.