The Audi win was the result of the first pitch held by a new consultancy service set up by the Association of Publishing Agencies, which is offering help to companies wishing to launch or relaunch customer magazines.
Independent publisher Clive Richardson launched the Audi Magazine in 1986 and has published it continuously since.
The car manufacturer reviewed the arrangement, as it wanted to ramp up its print marketing efforts in line with its broader strategy, which includes a TV channel, and make the title more contemporary.
Northstar will publish the magazine in June, following a seven-way pitch with publishers chosen for their proven track record in automotive customer magazines, including Cedar Communications, John Brown and the incumbent.
The win comes as Northstar prepares to launch magazines for four of property firm Hammerson's shopping centres, including Brent Cross and the Bullring in Birmingham, as well as a title for London estate agent Chesterton.
Meanwhile, Mazda will move its publishing contract out of Northstar after the next issue of its customer magazine.
Last year, the manufacturer chose Redwood to publish an international magazine and plans to replace Northstar's title with a UK edition of this global version.
The Association of Publishing Agencies' new service, APA ASK, will give basic advice on customer publishing and host meetings with publishers as well as supporting pitches. The team is led by APA director Julia Hutchinson and Patrick Fuller, founder of Haymarket Network.
The APA said it was currently working with more than 30 prospective clients on projects potentially totalling more than £10m in new business.
The initiative follows last October's launch of APA Insight, a service for members to encourage more bespoke research into the effectiveness of the medium.
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