Audi names brand ambassadors in Hong Kong, Philippines

Audi Hong Kong officially started its operation in 2013 for the import business of Audi automobiles in Hong Kong and Macau. Katty Chu, PR and communications manager for Audi Hong Kong, told Campaign Asia-Pacific that the company took back most of its marketing activities from Premium Motors—the Audi distributor in Hong Kong and Macao since 1999.

Chu said Audi Hong Kong aims to be more active in marketing the brand.

Hong Kong actor-singer Aaron Kwok worked with Audi at its R8 LMS Cup race in Zhuhai earlier this year, and the brand has engaged celebrities such as Maggie Cheung and Lang Lang to attend its PR events. But it is an unusual move for Audi Hong Kong to engage a motorsport champion as its brand ambassador.

Reinhold Carl, managing director of Audi Hong Kong, called Lee "sporty, sophisticated and progressive".

"Marchy’s image is a perfect match for Audi’s philosophy and brand image," Carl said. "We are confident that his endorsement will help deliver the Audi brand image to drivers and ignite further passion among Audi fans, racing fans and Hong Kong’s discerning drivers.”

Lee has a strong pedigree in racing, including winning the GTC Class 1,000km at Zhuhai in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup in 2010, and the first-ever Audi R8 LMS Cup Championship in 2012.

Lee will attend Audi events in Hong Kong and represent Audi in races and test drives in Zhuhai, Korea, Shanghai, Malaysia and Macau.

According to the company's website, Audi set a new record in the Chinese market last year, when deliveries in China and Hong Kong exceeded the 400,000 mark for the first time, a 29.6 per cent increase from the previous year.

In The Philippines, the premium automotive maker has named actress Anne Curtis as its newest brand ambassador for the country.

The appointment will see Curtis involved in the launch of the brand’s latest compact SUV model, the Q3. She will drive around the country in a Q3 to promote the new model as well as other offerings from the brand.

Curtis joins other Audi Ambassadors worldwide such as Hollywood personalities Naomi Watts and Hugh Jackman for Audi Australia; swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Cameron van der Burgh for Audi South Africa; actor Hu Jung Woo and pop star Choi Siwon of Audi Korea; as well as global ambassador actor Andy Lau and star pianist Lang Lang.