Ms Warburton has held the position since 2018.

Audi Australia managing director Paul Sansom said: “Nikki’s contribution to the Audi brand in Australia has been tremendous, and we are grateful for her leadership and expertise, which has enabled us to be in such a strong position.”

“Nikki joined Audi in a difficult phase, characterised by delays in our product life cycles, which resulted in significant untapped opportunity to further strengthen our brand in Australia. Since then, her team has exceeded all expectations in turning this around into the strong position we are in today.

“While we regret to see Nikki leave, we understand it is the right time for her to accept her next challenge, especially given the strength of the team she leaves behind.”

Ms Warburton said: “I am enormously proud of all we’ve achieved in the last few years, but I feel now is the right time for me to leave Audi’s future success in the capable hands of my team.”

“Audi is an incredible brand and I’ve had an amazing time helping it to shine as brightly as it does now, and I will always carry with me a great fondness for the fearless progress it has always stood for.”

Ms Warburton’s successor is expected to be announced in the next few weeks. She has not announced her next business move.

Audi said that in the past two years the company has markedly grown its sales volume and market share, in line with an incredible array of new products that break new ground for sustainability, design, performance and digital innovation.

In the past 12 months, Roy Morgan has named Audi as the top premium automotive brand, while KANTAR research said it is the fastest-growing premium brand in terms of buyer intention.

Audi Australia said in February that it would merge its business with Volkswagen Group Australia. They have traded independently since Audi Australia was established in 1997 and VGA in 2001.

By Neil Dowling