PITTSBURGH — #1 Cochran, an automotive retailer in Western Pennsylvania, has been selected by Audi of America, Inc. to operate a newly created sales point within the city of Pittsburgh.

The dealership to be named Audi Pittsburgh will be built in the city’s landmark Strip District. Construction of a world class, state-of-the-art Audi retail environment will begin in the spring of 2016, with completion expected the following summer. Until then, #1 Cochran will operate the franchise from a temporary showroom in Dormont, Pa. That facility will open this July.

“We are ecstatic to have earned the privilege to represent Audi in the Pittsburgh market,” said Rob Cochran, president and CEO of #1 Cochran. “An innovator to the extremes, Audi is a brand as desired by dealers as it is by consumers. We are eager to bring Audi’s breathtaking lineup to discerning buyers throughout the city.”

Audi created the open point as part of a strategic effort to expand its retailer network to keep pace with unprecedented U.S. sales growth. Thirty dealer groups from across the nation vied for the Pittsburgh franchise during the highly competitive, year-long selection process.

“We are pleased to welcome #1 Cochran into the Audi family,” said Jeffrey Tolerico, director, Audi of America, Inc. “#1 Cochran was expressly chosen based on their track record of delivering an exceptional customer experience. We are confident that they will be an important part of the growth strategy for Audi in the Pittsburgh market.”

Audi Pittsburgh will be the first franchised dealership to set up shop in the historic and revitalized Strip District, an area which Cochran feels is uniquely suited to the Audi brand and buyer.

“Audi is a progressive brand, the alternative to luxury’s old guard. Rather than locate the dealership along the same city corridor as Audi’s ‘old luxury’ competitors, we wanted to give it a distinctive home. The Strip District, with its unequalled energy, vibrancy and center-of-it-all setting, will make Audi Pittsburgh a sensational destination,” said Cochran. “In the meantime, we invite Audi lovers to visit our temporary home just minutes from the Liberty Tubes on West Liberty Avenue, starting this July.”