HERNDON, Va., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Audi Q7 quattro and the Audi A5 coupe won Kelley Blue Book's prestigious 2009 Best Resale Value Awards for the luxury SUV and the luxury car categories respectively.

The Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards recognize models that are expected to keep the greatest proportion of their original retail price five years after purchase. The projections are based on the Kelley Blue Book Residual Value Guide, which is backed by the research of expert automotive market analysts.

"Resale values reflect the quality, desirability and technology that vehicles provide over time to their owners -- and to consumers who wish they could someday drive the best models," said Johan de Nysschen, Audi of America's executive vice president. "At Audi, we are committed to ensuring our customers enjoy this value focus. And we are grateful this approach has bee recognized by Kelley Blue Book."

kbb.com commends all car buyers to consider the importance of resale value when they go shopping for cars. Editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com have found that depreciation can be the largest expense any motorist faces in the first five years of driving a vehicle. The editors note that high resale value generally indicates a vehicle is solidly built, generates strong consumer enthusiasm and comes equipped with features likely to be highly sought by consumers five years later.

"Choosing makes, models and options wisely now can help new-car shoppers keep additional money in their pocket down the road when they go to sell or trade in the vehicle used," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst with kbb.com .

The 2009 Best Resale Value Award marks a string of recent honors bestowed on the Audi Q7, including ranking as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, topping the SmartGreen Index for luxury SUVs as rated by the consumer research firm Strategic Vision and leading all luxury SUVs in Strategic Vision's Total Value Index.

The Audi A5 recently won Automobile Magazine's 2009 Design of the Year award. The Audi A5 also earned the Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year award over all other luxury cars. Sales for the A5 have been strong, setting records in each of the past three months.

For more information on Kelley Blue Book's 2009 Best Resale Value Awards, please visit www.kbb.com/BRVA .

About Audi of America

Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally. Last year AUDI AG recorded its 12th consecutive record year for sales and profit growth. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

SOURCE Audi of America Inc.