THE new managing director of Audi UK believes the marque's role for the next 12 months must be to improve customer loyalty and develop a distinct image in order to capitalise on forthcoming launches. Kevin Rose started with Audi in July and recognises he is joining the company after a highly successful three years in terms of selling products - but the focus is now on the human strengths.

'The key areas for attention are driving up customer loyalty and developing our brand image. Service levels are key to the first goal and we looking at ensuring they are consistent. We've got to make sure there are clear promises given to the customer by dealers, such as when and where a vehicle will be delivered and making sure it's always valeted, because in some areas we have been caught lacking,' Rose said.

Boosting Audi's appeal in 2000 will be a series of new models. They include the TT Roadster and Coupe, the A2 mini-MPV and at the other end of the scale a long wheelbase 4.2-litre A8, which Rose said will mainly go into chauffeur drive business. Later in 2000 will come an RS4 380bhp estate car and an off-road version of the A6. In 2001 Audi will bring out a new A4.