Audi Tops 2008 Sales After 10 Months

ZETLAND, AUSTRALIA – November 5, 2009: Audi Australia Pty Ltd has eclipsed its 2008 record total after just 10 months this year, selling 9,612 cars year-to-date.

Managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says the result – which represents the 58th straight month of growth for the company - is all the more pleasing after a tough 18 months for the whole industry – not only in Australia, but also worldwide.

“It has been an interesting and challenging time for the entire automotive industry and the whole Audi team is very proud of the result so far. Even in the light of a sharp increase to Luxury Car Tax in 2008, followed by 14 months of economic downturn, Audi has managed to increase sales volume and market share, and kept profitability, and we’re very proud of this achievement,” Mr Hofmann said.

Following a record October 2009 result of 1,022 cars, up 45% compared with October 2008, the year-to-date total of 9,612 units puts the Audi brand well ahead of its 2008 full year result of 9,410 units – a result which was, at the time, an all-time record for Audi in Australia.

October 2009 represents the 58th straight month of record sales (month on month). The company is now within sight of a year end goal of 11,000 units.

Hofmann says the reason the brand is going from strength to strength in Australia is clear strategic focus, investment, strong teamwork, and a desirable product range.

“When we opened the new Audi Lighthouse, Sydney, in August, we knew the investment would make a very strong national statement for Audi, and it has certainly paid off.

“We have already outsold our 2008 full year total. It’s one thing to build a brand new dealership and head office but it has to prove successful and profitable as early as possible to guarantee future growth – and this is already the case,” Mr Hofmann said.

The brand’s new Q5 has proven to be very successful, and combined with other key volume models like the Audi A3, A4, TT, A5 and Q7 – the core range is selling very strongly.

“Of course our success year-to-date will not stop us pushing to over-achieve,” Hofmann said.

“Audi is a successful brand for successful people and we certainly plan to run as hard and fast as we can.

“It is still too early to guarantee our full year result, however it is clear that we will head towards 11,000 cars in 2009,” Mr Hofmann said.