Fleets and local businesses are to be given an exclusive preview of the new Audi A5 range before it goes on sale in the UK in a promotional campaign through the dealer network.

Such is the importance of the corporate sector in this new model’s launch that Audi is importing eight left-hand drive models from Germany to go on a tour of the Audi dealer network between May and June, allowing local companies to take a look at the model.

These static displays will allow the firm’s local business development managers to meet potential customers and in early July Audi will host a fleet industry ride-and-drive day featuring key end-user customer fleet managers as well as contract hire and leasing industry contacts.

Iain Carmichael, head of fleet sales at Audi UK, said: ‘The A5 launch plan reflects the importance of this new model to us.

‘Audi Fleet customers will benefit from great styling, high standard specification, a range of engines and a dealer network delivering one of the best experiences in the industry.’

Audi has also received positive feedback from the industry price guides for the new range, with CAP estimating the S5 will retain 44% of its cost new after three years/60,000 miles, and the 3.0 TDI 45%. Glass’s puts the S5 at 51% and the diesel at 48%.