AUDI Australia is supporting open conversations about cars with customers, recently targeting women with a series of events in Sydney and Melbourne held with Vogue Magazine.

The magazine’s Vogue Codes events, which fall under Audi’s broader #DriveProgress campaign, will encourage female innovation and support empowerment through technology.

Audi showcased the role of women in its history with examples including 1980s rally driver Michelle Mouton and Leena Gade, who was lead engineer for Audi for several of the brand’s historic Le Mans 24 hours victories.

Audi Australia managing director Paul Sansom said: “For Vogue to promote future female innovation and digital creation through this annual series of events, is not only important – it is empowering and essential in today’s society, and something that has driven Audi forward for decades.

“Our history as a progressive brand demonstrates why this #DriveProgress initiative is so important.”

Audi Australia director of marketing and communications, Anna Burgdorf – who recently announced her retirement – said: “With #DriveProgress, we are cutting through all the jargon to make innovation and technology real and relevant, and to help all drivers understand how Audi uses technology to make our customers lives simpler.

“Vogue Codes is the perfect opportunity to connect with an audience that is progressive, inspired by successful people and interested in supporting women in technology and business, and to share Audi’s ‘Vorsprung’ spirit in the best possible way.

“We firmly believe that what you drive should enable your lifestyle, not complicate it.”

The event series will be held in Melbourne and Sydney and features key speakers who are able to inspire their female audience, with a focus on business, innovation and technology.

The breakfast events have been a sell-out success with about 250 women attending last week and featuring inspirational women who have driven progress in their own fields. These include Lisa Wilkinson, Sandra Sully (media), Zoe Foster-Blake (business) and Marita Cheng (robotics).

The events, held at Vue de Monde in Melbourne and Bistro Guillaume in Sydney are co-hosted by Edwina McCann, editor in chief of Vogue and Paul Sansom from Audi.

Audi officially launched #DriveProgress in May 2018 with a partnership with InStyle magazine.

Other #DriveProgress initiatives include a pilot program with Mission Australia called Women in Automotive, which encourages single mothers from disadvantaged communities to train and work in the automotive industry through a vocational program.

There has also been Audi’s partnership with GQ Man of the Year which supports and promotes progressive Australian men. The company is also partnering with the UK-based Women Ahead to launch a cross-company mentoring initiative in Australia.

By Neil Dowling