A new Audi TT coupe 2.0 T FSI, launched earlier this year, raised £34,000 at auction for BEN, the automotive industry charity, at its annual BEN Ball.

Thanks to Audi UK, which donated the vehicle, all the funds raised will go directly to BEN, which is expecting to end its financial year 2006/2007 with a large deficit. The winning bid went to Inchcape.

Gerard Barclay, chief executive of BEN, said: “Our own finances are in deficit but we have taken some touch decisions of our own to make sure we end this financial year in better shape.

However, this would not be possible without continued industry support. This is your charity, run by your contemporaries for the benefit of you, your staff and your dependants. We need to spread this message to everyone, from the junior apprentice to the CEO.”

Pictured left to right: Robin Woolcock, head of Volkswagen Group UK, Peter Johnson, chairman, Inchcape.