The miles have been long, and the coverage has been extensive, but Audi's journey from one side of the United States to another has come to an end. Audi had supplied nearly two dozen brand-new diesel vehicles to 184 drivers and gave them the unique opportunity to sample the latest-generation of TDI technology. Along the way, countless lives were touched as passers-by got glimpses of what diesel looks like now and what the future of vehicles may look like. At the closing ceremony, Audi of America's executive V.P. Johan de Nysschen, emphasized that the main goal of the Mileage Marathon was to increase awareness and spread information about modern diesel technology, rather than focus on the actual mileage figures that the TDI vehicles would achieve. In de Nysschen's words, "Mission accomplished."
Diesel critics have said diesel vehicles will have a tough time regaining ground in the United States, but the first wave of TDI vehicles have been sold out for this year. With what seems like ever-increasing popularity for diesel vehicles, can Audi gain ground over upscale powerhouses BMW and Mercedes with a more complete and ready line of diesel vehicles?
A video of the Marathon's wrapup can be found here, courtesy of Mediaseed.
Check out coverage of the Audi Mileage Marathon by Motor Trend's Kirill Ougarov in the links below. He made the journey on the second leg of the Marathon from Chicago to Denver in the new Q7 SUV.