Audi has honored one of its top executives, who tragically lost his life in a mountaineering incident in Italy over the weekend. The company commended his significant contributions during his more than ten years with the automaker. Fabrizio Longo, Audi's Managing Director for Italy, passed away after a fall from 10,000 feet (3,050 meters) while on an expedition in the northeastern region of Trentino. At 62, Longo was a seasoned mountaineer.
A spokesperson for Audi, which is part of the Volkswagen Group, eulogized Longo on Tuesday as a figure of "great integrity, culture, capability, and sensitivity." The spokesperson highlighted Longo's successful leadership of Audi in Italy since 2013, which solidified the brand's dominance in the premium segment for 11 years running, according to a company statement.
Longo, a seasoned automotive professional, had previously served at Fiat and Lancia before joining Audi. Numerous industry peers, including Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann, paid their respects. Winkelmann expressed his sorrow on LinkedIn, saying, "We will miss you Fabrizio. Goodbye, my friend."
Renault's CEO Luca de Meo, who had also worked at Fiat and Volkswagen, mourned Longo's passing with "infinite sadness," noting that he was proud to have known him as a friend. De Meo reflected on LinkedIn, "You left us while you were pursuing your great passion."
