Audi unveils new A8 L limousine, records 98 percent growth rate in July

Mumbai, August 3, 2012: Audi unveiled its new A8 L luxury saloon equipped with a powerful 4.2 TDI engine earlier today. The limousine sets new standards for luxury, with exceptional dynamics and efficiency. The car is priced at Rs 1.1 crore (ex-showroom Maharashtra). Actor Abhishek Bachchan (seen above with Michael Perschke, head, Audi India) took delivery of his customised A8 L 4.2 TDI.

Meanwhile, the German carmaker has reported 98 percent sales growth in the Indian market in July 2012, selling 680 cars in the month (July 2011 sales: 343 cars). The brand grew 49 percent during January-July 2012, selling 4,680 vehicles as compared to 3,145 vehicles sold during the same period last year.

“Each month of this year has seen Audi India grow from strength to strength. A total of 4,680 cars have been sold so far this year and the 49 percent growth clocked is remarkable, thus making India among the top three growth markets YTD of Audi AG worldwide. Despite speculation about economic upheavals, we are charging ahead on a well mapped-out route towards leadership. We have a sales target of 8,000 cars this year. I am confident that our robust customer proposition will help us surpass targets yet again this year,” said Perschke.

Leading the growth in India is the A6 saloon along with the new A4 and the Q3 SUV. The strengthened ‘A’ range of limousines with the A8 L, A6 and A7 Sportback have also caught buyer interest.

Gunning for No. 1 spot

“We are aiming for the No.1 position by 2015. Our product offering, brand positioning and aftersales services are finding resonance with discerning luxury customers in India. It is their aspiration for real luxury mobility that is fueling our growth,” added Perschke.

Audi India plans to expand its network to 25 dealerships by the end of 2012 from its existing 20 centres. The company has also recently opened new showrooms in Navi Mumbai, Coimbatore, Delhi West, Nagpur and its second in Madhya Pradesh in Bhopal. Last year, it had opened new showrooms in Delhi South, Chennai, Ludhiana, Surat and Indore. Further developments include Lucknow and Goa among others.

Globally too, the Audi Group is on a high, despite weaker economic growth and the contraction of many car markets. Audi clocked €25.0 billion (Rs 170,275 crore) nrevenue, an operating profit of €2.9 billion (Rs 19,751.9 crore), and an 11.5 percent operating return on sales in the first half of 2012.