A good friend to DSC, to the sport and to the industry retired from ‘active service’ today after a 36 year career with Volkswagen Group, 34 of them with Audi UK where David was the last serving member of the original Audi UK ‘brand launch’ team when Audi was relaunched in the UK market in 1993.
Whilst David’s professional expertise was in defining, testing and approving Audi’s roadgoing product range, over a career that has seen sales in the UK rise from under 20,000 cars per year to an astonishing 142,000, his further contribution has been as an impeccably qualified and expert brand ambassador informing the media, and making, retaining and cementing hugely important relationships within the industry and the sport.
From major product launches, including the original quattro models in the UK, to a vital role in ensuring that all of the brands right hand drive model versions were up to scratch (David is credited for instance with the move to ensure that all Audi models have windscreen wipers configured to right hand drive).
On the sporting front David has been there through all of Audi’s major triumphs, the quattro rallying years, the BTCC successes and latterly, as a hugely respected part in the early story of Audi’s all conquering sportscar programmes.
He has also been the guardian and curator of the UK ‘Audi Tradition’ car collection and the font of all knowledge when it comes to historic facts and technical milestones.
Beyond all of that David has been, and still remains, a consumate enthusiast, that enthusiasm took him to Le Mans as the fueller in the Le Mans pit crew in 1983 for the Jonathan Palmer, Richard Lloyd, Jan Lammers Porsche 956.
He also played a key part in brokering the relationship between Goodwood and Hannu Mikkola that created the design of the rally stage for the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
David told the DSC Editor just days ago that he intends to enjoy his retirement “To spend more time watching racing.” We’ll see you there Mr Ingram!
Happy retirement David – unsung hero, valued colleague in racing and above all, a true gentleman of the industry and the sport.
