Audi Abu Dhabi new car sales reflect brand status
Mounting driver interest in the popularity of the Audi brand has boosted new car sales for Audi Abu Dhabi – one of the dealerships in the motor division of Ali & Sons – during the first quarter of 2010 by more than 30 per cent compared to the same period last year.
“Audi Abu Dhabi sales figures rose by 31.7% compared to January through March 2009. This translates to 237 units out of a total 1,579 cars sold in the Middle East,” according to Andrew Hellyar, Brand Manager of Audi Abu Dhabi.
Hellyar added that Audi Abu Dhabi’s first quarter figures aided AUDI AG to record its strongest first quarter ever, boosting global sales for the first three months of this year to about 264,100.
Earlier this month AUDI AG, based in Ingolstadt, Germany, announced it had sold 110,400 worldwide in March alone, making it the brand’s best monthly result of all time.
“In line with AUDI AG, Audi Abu Dhabi expects the growth curve to rise in the second quarter. However, we anticipate more enhanced growth in market share when we receive the new Audi A8 towards the end of the year. We are positive that delivery of this model will stimulate our growth in the sedan class in the D-segment of the market,” said Hellyar.
“Our year-to-date performance vindicates the growing popularity of Audi, which is the hottest brand in the UAE. It also proves how sought after the remarkable technology, as well as power versus efficiency, that our products offer has become.”
The main driver of sales for Audi Abu Dhabi was the remastered new generation Audi Q7, which continued to remain a sought-after and highly respected SUV in the UAE’s capital city. It was followed closely by the A6 in the sedan category of the C-segment of the market. Two other popular models that sustained a hold on the attention of new car buyers were the Audi A4, and the Audi Q5.
International figures
AUDI Group sold around 950,000 cars in 2009. The Company posted revenue of €29.8 billion and an operating profit of €1.6 billion.
The Company is active in more than 100 markets worldwide and employs around 58,000 people worldwide, including 45,500 in Germany. Between 2010 and 2012 the Audi Group is planning to invest around €5.5 billion in order to sustain the Company’s technological lead embodied in its “Vorsprung durch Technik” slogan. By 2015, Audi plans to significantly increase the number of models in its portfolio to 42.
AUDI AG’s commitment to the region was confirmed through the foundation of its fully owned subsidiary in 2005: Audi Middle East. The current Middle East model range comprises the A3 Sportback and A4, the A5, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A6, S6 and RS 6, the TT and TT RS Coupe and Roadster, the A8, S8, the Q5, Q7, the R8 and the R8 V10.