The special items are mainly related to the diesel issue with the six‑cylinder TDI engines. They include financial expenses for technical measures, legal risks and sales activities. CEO Stadler stated at the event: "We regret what happened. We will ensure full transparency and assure you that we will put things right." Due to a valid agreement with Volkswagen AG, the affected four‑cylinder TDI engines have no direct impact on the profitability of the Audi Group.

As a result of numerous market launches among other things, the distribution costs of the Audi Group increased to €5,782 million (2014: €4,895 million). Financial income of €448 million was lower than in the previous year (2014: €841 million). Audi achieved profit before tax of €5,284 million (2014: €5,991 million) and a return on sales before tax of 9.0 percent (2014: 11.1 percent).

In the presence of approximately 250 national and international journalists, Axel Strotbek, Board of Management Member for Finance and Organization of AUDI AG, explained, "We are in the middle of the biggest investment phase in the company's history. Our operating profit and the significantly positive cash flow are evidence of our robust business model."

Audi foresees capital expenditure of €3 billion in 2016. The focus will be on technical innovations and new models. In addition, the manufacturer of premium automobiles intends to expand its worldwide production structures. Once again, all investment is to be funded out of the company's cash flow.

At December 31, 2015, the net liquidity of the Audi Group amounted to €16.4 billion (2014: €16.3 billion).
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