• Hawthorn FC Vice Captain, Jordan Lewis, joins the elite Audi Ambassador program
• Audi celebrates a major sponsorship milestone, stepping into AFL as the only premium carmaker
• Iconic Melbourne restaurant, Vue de monde, to play host to gala evening celebration

Now in its 18th year, the Audi Ambassador program represents the best of the best, including acting royalty, Chris Hemsworth and Hugh Jackman, three-time world champion surfer, Mick Fanning, chef and restaurateur, Shannon Bennett, and a host of other talented Australians who excel in their chosen field.

Audi Australia's Managing Director, Andrew Doyle, said Jordan Lewis was an obvious choice as brand ambassador as Audi embarks on its debut season as the Hawthorn Football Club's principal partner.

"Jordan's on field prowess, combined with his leadership and reputation within the football community, makes him the ideal ambassador to represent Audi's sporty and dynamic brand values. As our company embarks on this major new sponsorship milestone, we also wanted to find a player that could represent the brand in an exciting new phase of our growth in Australia," Mr Doyle said.

"Our partnership with Hawthorn is the first time Audi has aligned itself with a leading national sporting club, and it signals our arrival in the AFL. We are the only premium automotive brand in the AFL space, and Hawthorn's credentials and club philosophy as innovators formed a major factor in our decision to sponsor the Club."

A fleet of new Audi vehicles have been sent to Ricoh Centre in Waverly Park for the official Audi/Hawks vehicle handover today at 11.30am, with Jordan Lewis offered first pick of the car of his choice.

He will be joined by two teammates, Coach Alastair Clarkson and CEO Stuart Fox, both of whom have jumped at the chance to drive the all-new Audi Q7.

Lewis said he was thrilled to align with such a prestigious brand.

"I am very humbled and excited to be announced as an Audi Ambassador," Lewis said.

"Audi is a prestigious, innovative brand and I am thrilled to be a part of their first foray into footy and their new partnership with Hawthorn."

To further mark the sponsorship milestone, fellow Audi Ambassador, Shannon Bennett, a Bombers stalwart, has nevertheless designed a bespoke menu at culinary institution Vue de monde for an exclusive Audi-hosted gala.

As part of the new sponsorship agreement, the Audi logo will be displayed on the players' shorts and coaches' property (apparel and coaches' box) from 2016. The club will also refurbish and rename its Grande Suite at the MCG to the 'Audi Suite'. 

About the Audi Ambassador program
Audi's ambassador program was established in 1997 to reflect the brand's personality and values, by aligning with successful Australians in a range of different fields. The company takes a long-term view on building these important relationships, working closely with each brand Ambassador to deliver exclusive customer experiences and events. 

Audi Australia's Brand Ambassadors:

• Jordan Lewis
• Chris Hemsworth
• Hugh Jackman
• Richard Roxburgh
• Asher Keddie
• Mick Fanning
• Collette Dinnigan
• Matt Burke
• Sandra Sully
• Lisa Wilkinson
• James Tobin
• Matt Moran
• Shannon Bennett
• Guillaume Brahimi
• Kylie Kwong
• Vincent Fantauzzo
• Mathew Belcher
• Will Ryan

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The Audi Group delivered approximately 1,741,100 cars of the Audi brand to customers in 2014. As one of the most successful models, the Audi A3 has been awarded the title of "World Car of the Year 2014" by an international jury of journalists (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8,3 – 3.2; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 194 – 35). In 2013, the company reported revenue of €49.9 billion and an operating profit of €5.03 billion. The company operates globally in more than 100 markets and has production facilities in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm (Germany), Gyor (Hungary), Brussels (Belgium), Bratislava (Slovakia), Martorell (Spain), Kaluga (Russia), Aurangabad (India), Changchun (China) and Jakarta (Indonesia). Since the end of 2013, the brand with the Four Rings has also been producing cars in Foshan (China). As of mid-2015, Audi will operate a production facility in São José dos Pinhais (Brazil), followed by San José Chiapa (Mexico) in 2016. Wholly owned subsidiaries of AUDI AG include quattro GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy), the sports motorcycle manufacturer. The company currently employs approximately 80,000 people worldwide, thereof approximately 55,800 in Germany. Total investment of around €24 billion is planned from 2015 to 2019 – primarily in new products and sustainable technologies. Audi is committed to its corporate responsibility and has anchored the principle of sustainability for its products and processes in its strategy. The long-term goal is CO2-neutral mobility.