Audi global sales rise 17.1% in September, driven by China and US
Audi delivered around 120,200 vehicles worldwide in September 2011, with strong growth in China, the US and Eastern Europe pushing the brand to new records.
Audi reported global sales of around 120,200 vehicles in September 2011, up 17.1% on the same month the previous year. The company credited robust demand in China, the United States and Eastern Europe for the surge, with China remaining Audi’s largest market.
China leads Audi’s growth
By early October 2011, Audi had already matched its total 2010 sales in China, according to Peter Schwarzenbauer, the company’s board member for sales and marketing. The third quarter saw Audi extend its lead in China’s premium segment, helped by expanded local production. Locally built models such as the A4L and Q5 continued to drive volume, while the imported Q7 and A8L also contributed to the record. China’s performance was central to Audi’s global momentum, as the brand sought to consolidate its position against rivals in the world’s largest car market.
Audi’s push in China comes as premium competitors also report strong results. For context, BMW identified Vietnam as its fastest-growing market in Southeast Asia, and Mercedes-Benz recently set its own global sales record in November. Audi’s focus on local production and model mix in China has allowed it to outpace some rivals in the segment.
US and European performance
In the United States, Audi’s year-to-date sales rose 15.5% to 84,981 vehicles by the end of September 2011. Demand for the new 2012 A6 jumped 42.8% in the month, while the Q7’s year-to-date sales increased 30.8%. Diesel variants played a substantial role: the A3 TDI and Q7 TDI accounted for 51% and 46.5% of their respective model sales mixes. Audi had recorded sales records in 13 of the previous 14 months in the US market, reflecting sustained momentum in the premium segment. For more context on US market trends, see US September new car sales surge 16% as buyers flood showrooms.
In Europe, Audi delivered 67,200 vehicles in September, a 9.0% increase over the previous year. Eastern Europe showed particularly strong growth, with sales up 20.7%. The gains in Europe came despite ongoing uncertainty in some Western European markets, suggesting Audi’s brand strength and product mix continued to attract buyers across the continent.
India and other emerging markets
Audi India sold 555 cars in September 2011, compared to 302 in September 2010. While the absolute numbers remain modest, the year-on-year growth underlines Audi’s ambitions in emerging markets. The company’s global strategy has increasingly focused on local assembly and tailored model offerings to capture growth beyond established markets.
