Audi Middle East vehicle sales up 27 percent

Audi Middle East is continuing to increase its foothold in the Middle East region in terms of vehicle sales. With a sales increase of 27 percent compared to the same period in the previous year (January to June 2006 = 1916 / 2005 = 1513), the Audi brand has grown strongest in its core markets of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Syria.

The company achieved its highest growth rates for the first six months in the C-segment. With a total of 370 units delivered in the GCC, the Audi A6 ranks as the company's best selling model. Audi's recently introduced performance SUV, the Q7, reported a 24 percent contribution to sales in the month of June and is expected to impact strongly on the second half sales of 2006, providing a major share of the company's Middle East sales target of 10,000 units by 2009.

Sales were especially driven through consumer experience events, for example the quattro tour travelling through six regional markets with the Audi A6 3.2 quattro, and massive outdoor and print campaigns. Since its establishment as a fully owned subsidiary of AUDI AG in July 2005, Audi Middle East has been focusing on qualitative growth and a strategy geared towards the long term. Audi importers across the region are investing heavily in new facilities and training.

Audi Qatar is expected to finish its new Audi Centre and service facility by mid August 2006, Audi Jordan has just opened its new showroom earlier this week, and other markets are following suit under the guidance of Audi Middle East. Audi Middle East plays an important role in AUDI AG's strategy in becoming increasingly less dependent on German domestic demand and to develop even more into a globally active company. "It is important to exhaust the potential of existing markets. But it is equally important to open up new markets," explained Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG.