Audi sales in China surpass 400,000 units for first time in 2012

Ingolstadt/Changchun, January 8, 2013: Audi set a new record in the Chinese market last year. At 405,838 units, deliveries in China and Hong Kong exceeded the 400,000 mark for the first time, a 29.6 percent increase compared to the previous year.

"In the year 2012, we continued the success story in our biggest sales market," stated Luca de Meo, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing. "With this record we have increased our lead over the competition, further strengthening our number one position in the premium segment in China."

The company set a new sales record for the A4 L, A6 L and Q5 model series built in Changchun: 322,700 vehicles for a year-on-year increase of 28.1 percent. With 89,488 deliveries, Q5 sales increased by 64.9 percent. Also the A6 L, which underwent a model change in 2012, achieved a new record; 132,872 customers chose China's best-selling business sedan (up 17.3 percent). With 100,340 units sold, sales of the long version of the A4 rose 18.7 percent. All three models made in China lead their respective market segments.

Sales volumes for imported Audis rose by 36.2 percent to 83,138. The Q7 was particularly successful with 21,360 units sold (up 10 percent) as well as the A8/S8 with 18,857 vehicles delivered (up 51.7 percent). Audi says customers have responded positively to the compact Q3 SUV, available since mid-2012, with a total of 2,145 units delivered.

Meanwhile, the carmaker’s significantly expanded its dealer network throughout China in 2012. The number of dealerships was increased by 60 to approximately 290 in more than 130 cities – averaging more than one new opening every week.

This year, Audi will celebrate ‘25 Audi years in China’ together with its joint-venture partner FAW. Further market launches are planned, of the locally produced Q3 for example. At the end of this year, production of automobiles will begin at the company’s new site in Foshan in southern China.

Audi AG will release its worldwide sales figures on January 10, 2013.