Audi UK will modify its training programmes for all retailers next year to enable them to better sell an environmental message.Managing director Jeremy Hicks said: “I don’t think manufacturers do enough to educate the people that sell the cars about the real issues and benefits of what we’re doing.”

The training will cover subjects such as CO2 emissions, fuel efficiency technology, efficient manufacturing and the recycling of materials used in Audis. 

Audi will introduce stop start technology in some models next year and is developing fuel injection systems for both diesel and petrol cars.

Other green measures include underbody aerodynamics and regenerative braking.

“People understand miles per gallon but there isn’t the same understanding about CO2,” Hicks added.

Only one Audi model falls below the European 2012 target of 130g/km CO2 – the A3 1.9TDi. It acounts for 5% of Audi sales.