• Darren Palmer named the first interior designer to join the elite Audi Ambassador program
• Audi Australia unveils the first collaboration between the company and its new Ambassador
• The MCG Audi Suite is the first of its kind in Australia

Wednesday 30 March 2016 – Audi's Ambassador program has received a major boost with renowned interior designer, Darren Palmer, being announced as Audi's first ever design ambassador.

Joining Audi's elite ambassador team, which includes Chris Hemsworth and Hugh Jackman along with a range of athletes including Mick Fanning, chefs including Matt Moran and Kylie Kwong and other highly talented celebrities and media personalities, Darren has already immersed himself in the Audi lifestyle.

The star of hit TV show The Block, Darren was tasked with transforming a traditional MCG corporate suite into a luxurious and stylish space for German luxury carmaker, Audi, to host customers as part of its new sponsorship of reigning AFL Premiers, Hawthorn.

Audi Australia's Managing Director, Andrew Doyle, said Darren was a natural fit with the design philosophy of the luxury German brand.

"Darren is known for testing the boundaries with his contemporary and stylish interior design, and he represents  Audi's progressive and sophisticated brand values very well through his work," Mr Doyle said.

We are extremely happy with the result of our first collaboration. The Audi Suite at the MCG is a sophisticated space which functions well for numerous types of events which will be held there. No other suite comes close to the design ethos of our brand. Darren has taken our brief and transformed the space into the ideal showpiece for our innovative brand," he said.

Darren's appointment as an Audi Ambassador continues to highlight Audi's dedication to innovative automotive design, as shown through Audi's existing design partnerships including leading lighting manufacturer, Occhio and sound and audio product innovator, Bang & Olufsen.

A long term lover of Audi, Darren described his association with the brand as the perfect partnership due to their joint appreciation for design and aesthetics – evident with his AFL suite overhaul.

"I was thrilled to take on the redevelopment project, as it was an opportunity to conceptualise all the design aspects I have come to know and love about Audi and create a functional space unlike any corporate venue at a sporting arena in Australia," Darren said.

The Darren Palmer lead Audi MCG redevelopment project  has been a six month undertaking, and the result is the most luxurious way to view sport in Australia.

As an Audi Ambassador, Darren will also host exclusive interior design experiences for Audi customers as part of the Audi Lifestyle Experience program. Guests will be able to get up close and personal with the celebrated designer in style master-classes and intimate dinners.

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.

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, AFL star Jordan Lewis, and a host of other talented Australians who excel in their chosen fields.

Audi Australia's Brand Ambassadors

• Darren Palmer
• Chris Hemsworth
• Hugh Jackman
• Jordan Lewis
• Richard Roxborough
• Asher Keddie
• Collette Dinnigan
• Vincent Fantauzzo
• Mick Fanning
• Matt Burke
• Sandra Sully
• Lisa Wilkinson
• James Tobin
• Matt Moran
• Shannon Bennett
• Guillaume Brahimi
• Kylie Kwong

– End –

The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in twelve countries. In the second half of 2016, Audi will start production of the Q5 in San José Chiapa (Mexico). 100-percent 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).

In 2015, the Audi Group delivered to customers approximately 1.8 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,245 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and about 54,800 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2014 financial year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €53.8 billion and an operating profit of €5.15 billion. At present, approximately 85,000 people work for the company all over the world, about 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on new products and sustainable technologies for the future of mobility.