• Special insights into the virtual world of the Audi Q7 SUV
• 38 countries, including Australia, linked to Q7 on-line portal
• Audi's largest multi-channel marketing project to-date
• Broadband microsite with information, films and downloads

Over 110,000 prospective customers worldwide, including Australia, have already registered for the microsite at www.audi.com/q7globe. Around half a million visits to the site have been recorded.

"The response to the Q7 Globe has been tremendous. And this is despite the fact that widespread promotion of the Q7 has not even started yet. The fact that over 110,000 people have registered their personal details demonstrates the immense level of interest in the Q7. For us these are potential customers with an enhanced interest in buying the vehicle", says Hans-Christian Schwingen, Head of Marketing Communication at AUDI AG.

The Q7 Globe was jointly initiated by Audi Marketing Communication and Audi Relationship Marketing. André Lutz, in charge of Potential Customer Management, explains: "The Q7 Globe is not just simply a website, but a key component in a programme for the generation and support of prospective customers at an international level, and for the extended launch campaign introducing the new SUV. This is Audi's biggest multi-channel marketing project to date for the launch of a new model."

Lutz continues: "The Q7 will be Audi's first vehicle in the large SUV segment. This means that this car has no predecessor at Audi and therefore it is essential to get to know new customers and to win them over from other brands in order to achieve sales targets.

The Q7 Globe project was launched as early as March in Europe in order to identify this target group at an early stage and has been a great success in this respect. Around sixty percent of people registering an interest drive vehicles of other brands. The on-line special is made available centrally by Audi Marketing to all importers, along with the other elements of the Q7 Globe. So far the programme and its online special are used by 38 markets throughout the world, including Australia. It has been translated into seven languages to date. Further markets and language versions are to follow.

Users can access an elaborately-designed website that makes full use of the multimedia opportunities offered by broadband Internet. The virtual world of the Audi Q7 will open up in five thematic phases, which will be released step-by-step, up to the vehicle's premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

In the first phase, "Evolution", the visitor experiences the tradition and innovation of the Audi brand – with highlights from the areas of technology and motor sport, from the "Audi Pikes Peak quattro" design study through to the production model, with exclusive Q7 films and photographs to download and use as desktop backgrounds or screensavers.

The second phase, "Design", contains such items as interviews with Audi designers Dany Garand and Satosha Wada, who provide information about the styling of the Audi Q7.

The third phase, "Performance", is being released with immediate effect. In this phase it is possible to access 3D animations as well as some initial information about engine options, drive trains, handling and ride quality, plus some new shots of the Q7.

"Comfort" and "Flexibility" are also still to come before September. Potential customers will be addressed specifically after prospect data has been evaluated. In addition to this, users of Q7 Globe have the opportunity to take part in a competition to win a high-end Bang & Olufsen speaker system, as well as VIP tickets for the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Audi Australia launched its link to “Q7 Globe” in May. To register, log onto www.audi.com.au and follow the links to Q7 Globe.