Audi today announced sales for the
month of October totaling 7,443, an increase of 0.3 percent. This follows
on a robust September when the luxury brand attained an all-time record
share of the luxury sector. Strong performances from the A5, A8, R8 and
all-new A4 models contributed to the October increase. Audi new vehicle
sales are down only 3.5 percent year-to-date as the company contends with a
double-digit decline in the luxury market due to the softening economy.
"While others in the industry focus on cutting, we're focused on
building," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of
America. "The current market conditions represent an opportunity for
consumers and for Audi. Audi's European heritage means that we are well
positioned with vehicles featuring powerful, but fuel-efficient,
high-performance engines. And our vehicle portfolio is among the youngest
and most dynamic in the industry today."
Though industry-wide sales results won't be known until later today, de
Nysschen expects Audi to capture more market share. Early predictions by
industry analysts indicate that Audi may be one of only a few brands to
post a positive performance in October.
Following its late-September release, the all-new 2009 Audi A4
confirmed strong consumer interest in its first full month of sales
reporting, with 3,784 units sold. Dealers also reported strong demand for
the Audi A5 coupe, posting a third consecutive month of record sales with
865 units sold. De Nysschen also noted that dealers have nearly sold out
2008 model year inventory, setting Audi up for growth on the heels of the
A4 launch and the forthcoming Audi Q5 in early 2009.
The brand also increased consumer interest in October with the Audi
Mileage Marathon, a coast-to-coast efficiency drive from New York to Santa
Monica showcasing the Audi TDI clean diesel technology. The Mileage
Marathon also marked the U.S. debut of Audi's Q7 TDI luxury sport utility
vehicle, which will be the first Audi clean diesel vehicle available in the
United States when it enters dealer showrooms next year. On its
cross-country trek, the Q7 TDI averaged 28 m.p.g., without compromising the
power and performance drivers have come to expect from Audi.
2008 has also brought Audi a stream of industry accolades. J.D. Power
and Associates, the respected industry organization that measures quality
within the auto industry, among other metrics, cited Audi in its 2008 J.D.
Power Initial Quality Survey for the greatest ranking improvement in
initial quality. Additionally, the Audi Q7, A3, A4 and A6 have been
recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as Top
Safety Picks in 2008, earning Audi the most Top Safety Pick designations
for 2008 models of any luxury automaker this year. Most recently, the Audi
A5 received the Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year Award (luxury on-road
category) from a panel of automotive journalists and athletes assembled by
the Active Network.
Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales were down 8.5 percent for October
with 2,016 units sold, although sales are up 27.1 percent year-over-year.
AUDI
Audi of America and its 270 dealers offer a full line of
German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of the freshest
in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model
years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally.
Last year AUDI AG recorded its 12th consecutive record year for sales and
profit growth.
Source: Audi
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