JEDDAH, 21 November 2003 — Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are two great names in the world of football that continue to dominate the top of the table in Spain and Germany respectively and compete against each other for football’s most prestigious title, the European Champions League. Their official automobile partner is the luxurious but sporty car manufacturer, Audi AG. The Audi range is conceptualized, designed and built under the same demands for a harmony of sporting power, style and high performance — making it the perfect partner for Europe’s footballing megastars, the company claims.
The two football giants have many things in common, other than their appreciation of Audi. Both clubs hold a record number of titles in their national championship leagues and together they have won 13 European Champions League titles, which have been taken home to Madrid or Munich three years in a row, from 2000 to 2002. What’s more, both squad lists read like the who’s who of international soccer, including football hero David Beckham who has chosen to drive the brand’s flagship model, the Audi A8.
“Clubs have always been looking to sign partnerships with equally successful and prestigious brands, making Audi the ideal partner to transport players, managers and coaching teams in ultimate style, comfort and safety,” the company said.
The benefits of Audi are also clear. The popularity of football across the globe continues to rise exponentially and these partnerships will open up new markets for the German car manufacturer. Both clubs are held in the highest esteem on the international football stage, complimenting Audi’s unique character, which combines sportiness with style.
The Real Madrid squad includes acknowledged legends like Zidane, Beckham, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos. The team is identifiable by its offensive yet stylish football that captures the imagination of millions of fans across the world. This football style has enabled the club to win the Champions League a record nine times, including three titles since 1998. Through its Spanish importer, Audi supplies 30 cars to the team and management of Real Madrid football club. The agreement also enables Audi to promote itself inside the club’s stadium and use images of the entire team in its publicity.
Year after year, Bayern Munich promotes a solid yet elegant football that enables them to dominate the German league and has brought home four titles in the Champions League, most recently in 2001. The team lineup includes goalkeeping giant Oliver Kahn, who became the first goalkeeper to win the Adidas golden ball award for a FIFA World Cup final competition in 2002, Dutch striker Roy Makaay and Michael Ballack. Fifty cars from Audi are at the disposal of the players, coaches and management for transport to and from training as well as in their social lives. It was no surprise when many of the high performance players from both teams opted for the sporty Audi S6, one of the most powerful cars produced by Audi with a 340hp engine. Managers and coaches chose to travel in the world’s sportiest limousine, the Audi A8, the manufacturer said.
