Since 1992, Audi customers have had the option of collecting their new vehicle directly from Audi at the Customer Centre in Ingolstadt and making the most of the occasion by also visiting the Audi Forum, the plant and the surrounding area. Last year, over 63,000 vehicles were collected by their proud new owners from the Audi Customer Centre, representing an average of 280 per day. At peak periods, anything up to 3760 Audis pass through the Customer Centre at the Audi Forum in a single day.

For many people, the anticipation of collecting a new car is like looking forward to their first date. To add to the excitement, many customers want the first-hand experience of watching a new Audi being built during a tour of the factory, or are eager to find out more about the heritage and vision of the Audi brand at the Audi museum mobile. Tours of the factory and the Audi museum mobile are included as part of the service for those coming to Ingolstadt to collect their own car.

Like the museum tours, the factory tours have proven immensely popular: the then annual capacity of around 100,000 visitors a year was reached back in 1996/1997. Just under 130,000 people toured the plant in 2002, and the same level was reached again last year.

Customer expectations specifically of a premium manufacturer are becoming increasingly demanding. And Audi more than redeems these expectations - by delivering premium service for customers, visitors and employees. The "Market and Customer" building also houses a service-oriented bank which anyone can use - Audi Bank direct - as well as the VWV insurance service, representatives from Audi Personnel are available to provide advice and information, a travel agency whets the appetite for travel, vehicles from the current Audi model range are available for a "trial sitting" and - last but not least - there is a further Mövenpick café in the "Market and Customer" building.