Audi Extends Its Lead Further in China

Audi is continuing to extend its lead in China. The successful start to 2006 was followed by an outstandingly successful first quarter. A total of 19,161 vehicles were sold to customers in China and Hong Kong from January to March, an increase of 126 percent compared with the same period in 2005. The China-built Audi A4 achieved a growth rate of more than 220 percent with a total of 5,023 vehicles sold (1st quarter of 2005: 1,547), while the Audi A6 doubled its sales figures with 13,255 units in all (1st quarter of 2005: 6,207). Imported models, particularly the Audi A8, recorded an increase of 23 percent on last year (883 vehicles compared with 719 in the first quarter of 2005).

Erich Schmitt, Board Member for Purchasing at AUDI AG and responsible for the company’s activities in China, stated: “These figures mean that Audi has achieved the highest growth rates for years on the Chinese market and has left its competitors in the premium segment trailing way behind. This success confirms our position as number one amongst premium car brands in China.”
Audi has been active in China since 1988 and was the first car manufacturer to develop a premium vehicle specifically for the Chinese market. “Audi is therefore well on the way to continuing its success story in China,” added Schmitt.

The launch of the Audi Q7 in the middle of the year is expected to provide fresh impetus on the market. Sales figures in China are anticipated to maintain their high growth rates up to the end of the year.