German luxury carmaker registers its strongest first quarter in six years; over 1,170 SUVs retailed even as demand for sedans and all-electric portfolio remains strong.
19 Apr 2023 | 5292 Views | By Ajit Dalvi
Audi India, which sold 4,187 units in CY2022 and achieved 27% YoY growth, has reported a strong first quarter of calendar year 2023. The Indian arm of the German luxury car manufacturer has retailed a total of 1,950 units in January to March 2023 period, which translates into 126% year-on-year growth (Q1 CY2022: 862 units). Q1 2023 sales, as per Audi India, constitute its strongest Q1 numbers since 2018.
An estimated 1,170 units or 60% of the total 1,950 units retailed in Q1 2023 are SUVs from the Audi India portfolio comprising the Q3, Q3 Sportback, Q5, Q7, Q8, RS Q8, e-tron 50, e-tron 55 and e-tron Sportback 55.
Commenting on the January-March 2023 market performance, Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India said, "We have witnessed strong growth of 126% in Q1 2023 compared to the same period last year. Our product line-up boasts of 16 models and we currently have the strongest ever SUV portfolio contributing to over 60% of our total sales (in Q1 2023). The newly launched Audi Q3 and Audi Q3 Sportback are witnessing strong demand from across the country. We are on a growth path and are confident of a bullish performance through the year 2023.”
Audi India's current line-up of products include the A4, A6, A8 L, Q3, Q3 Sportback, Q5, Q7, Q8, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback, RS Q8, e-tron 50, etron 55, e-tron Sportback 55, e-tron GT and the RS e-tron GT.
Q1 2023 has seen strong sales for the top-end models – the Audi Q7, Q8 and A8 L. Meanwhile, the carmaker’s fully electric car portfolio, including the sporty Audi RS e-tron GT and Audi e-tron GT, continue to enjoy strong customer demand.
On April 11, Audi India had announced a price increase of 1.6% on the Q3 and Q3 Sportback from May 1, 2023. The brand had also recently increased the prices of the Q8 Celebration, RS5 and S5 by up to 2.4% citing an increase in customs duty and input costs.
Expansion of Audi Approved: plus underway
Audi India is also continuing the expansion of its pre-owned car business – Audi Approved: plus – in India. Currently operating with 22 Audi Approved: plus showrooms across all major hubs in the country, the brand will have over 25 pre-owned car facilities by the end of 2023. The pre-owned cars business has witnessed strongest ever sales in a quarter at 50% YoY.