It’s the night of nights for Audi Australia and the entire Audi national dealer network, where the outstanding achievements of individuals within the dealer network and indeed dealerships themselves are recognised and celebrated.

Sydney’s Star was the venue for the 2018 Audi Dealer of the Year awards, the 12th year the awards have been held – the black tie event a fitting acknowledgement of the hard work in 2018 and a celebration for all those associated with the Audi brand in Australia.

Emcee duties on the night fell to two of Audi Australia’s ambassadors, with Steve Pizzati – Audi Australia’s Chief Driving Instructor – joined on stage by Darren Palmer, design ambassador,  judge of The Block and unabashed RS 5 Coupe driver.

Two very accomplished professionals in the own right, both are very familiar with the Audi brand and the values at its very core. Those values are very much on display and the reason for this annual event, which, is always hotly contested by every one in the dealer network.

Despite a very relaxed feel overall, this is firstly an awards night and then a party to celebrate, and after introductions from the two emcees, it was a chance for Audi Australia Managing Director, Paul Sansom, to address the guests and add his heartfelt congratulations for what he described as ‘an extraordinary effort in 2018’. 

“The Dealer of the Year awards takes its place at the pinnacle of nights for Audi Australia,” Mr Sansom said in his opening words to guests.

“In celebration of the extraordinary work all of you in this room carry out in support of our vision: to the best and most progressive premium brand in Australia. 

“Before we begin recognising individuals in this room tonight, I would like to offer all of you my sincere thanks … to the commitment and professionalism, from Dealer Principals, Sales staff, Marketing staff, Service teams, Finance teams, Technicians, and support staff in all corners of your individual businesses.”

Mr Sansom praised the efforts and the professionalism of the entire dealer network throughout the year and the individual successes of each and every dealer team.

“The winners tonight have not only shown the remarkable stoicism and commitment to our brand that the whole network has shown, but on top of that they have truly epitomised what our brand really stands for: Progress. 

“Their Vorsprung spirit of restlessness and never accepting the status quo, has given them the agility, belief and capability they needed to excel.”

Indeed, the winners across each of the categories and of the coveted Dealer of the Year titles, embody the Audi philosophy that is a ceaseless pursuit of excellence across all areas of the business. Categories exist for numerous individual roles within the dealer structure, culminating in the coveted awards for Dealer of the Year in the categories Rural, Metropolitan and Major Metropolitan. 

While there is a tangible sense of camaraderie within the dealer network all year and on the night, there is no mistaking the sense of competition that exists – these are individuals and businesses driven to succeed.

The evening also celebrates milestone partnerships between dealerships and Audi Australia, this year recognising Audi Barry Bourke for a decade of partnership, while Audi Solitaire was recognised for an extraordinary 30 years with the Audi brand in Australia.

The awards evening also provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate the second anniversary of the Audi Foundation, which is heavily supported by the Audi Dealer Network nationally. The Audi Foundation continues its great work, having now directly helped some 2.5 million Australian since its inception.

So, while it was a night to recognise hard work and commitment, it was also a night to kick back and celebrate a job well done. Steve Pizzati summing it up at the end of official proceedings: “It’s been our privilege to be your hosts, and we look forward to celebrating with all of you now, as we move back into the after party area behind us for an espresso martini.” 

Congratulations to all of those honoured and in particular to the top performing national dealerships.