Audi Looks to Set Sales Records in U.S. and Worldwide

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 17 -- Audi is positioned to set a sales record both in the United States and worldwide if the first half of 2006 is any indication. In the U.S., both new vehicle and Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales are ahead of last year's pace.

Through June, Audi of America, Inc. sales increased 7.3 percent over the first half of 2005. New car sales figures for the first half of 2006 were released June 1 and totaled 40,455 units. Robust sales of the A3, A4, A6 and Audi Q7 model lines have helped contribute to the record sales pace.

AUDI AG recently announced that worldwide sales through June reached 463,500 units, a 9.8 percent increase over 2005's record setting performance.

"Audi has made great progress during 2006," said Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice President of Audi of America, Inc. "U.S. consumer and media reaction to our new vehicles has been outstanding, and we are on course to set a sales record this year. Sales in the United States alone has accounted for nearly nine percent of AUDI AG's worldwide sales this year. With the Audi Q7 performance SUV now on sale -- a vehicle specifically designed for the U.S. market -- I think we can make an even larger contribution to company's global growth."

CPO sales in the U.S. have also reached record levels. With 12,178 total sales, Audi CPO sales increased 5.0 percent over last year. The majority of Audi CPO sales have been to customers in the west and east coasts, yet the southern and central regions have shown impressive gains of 22.0 percent and 7.0 percent respectively over 2005 CPO sales. A4 models show the largest increase for 2006 with 5,682 CPO sales, a 6.7 percent increase over last year. A8 CPO sales have also been strong at 487 units, a 3.2 percent increase.

Audi's history in America dates to 1969, when the brand was first introduced to the U.S. market. Today, a network of over 260 Audi dealers currently offers a line of premium vehicles that include the nimble Audi A3; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high-revving RS 4 sports sedan; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the all-new Audi Q7 performance SUV; the all-aluminum Audi A8; and the award-winning TT Coupe and Roadster.