Audi achieves boost in sales in 2011

Audi enjoyed high sales in the UAE in 2011 and expects continued growth in 2012. The premium German car brand recorded a 42 per cent increase in Abu Dhabi and 39 per cent increase in Dubai. Sales were driven by their core SUV range with the Audi Q7 and Q5 and their new model launches including the new generation Audi A6. "Another record year of sales reinforces the Audi position in the Middle East market," said Jeff Mannering, director of Audi Middle East. "In 2012, Audi will continue to capture a significant share of the premium market with new model introductions including the eagerly awaited Audi Q3 and S models, and continued investment from our dealer network," he added. Al Nabooda Automobiles, Audi's exclusive dealer in the UAE, is building new Audi showrooms in Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. The UAE retained its position as the largest market in the region with a 40 per cent market share. Worldwide, Audi ended 2011 with sales records in more than 50 markets. "The year 2011 was an unprecedented year in the history of Audi. Never before have we gained so many new customers in a single year," said Peter Schwarzenbauer, board member for marketing and sales. China became Audi's biggest single market for the first time, with a growth of 37.3 per cent. "In 2011 Audi further extended its lead in the premium segment in China and Europe, but the emerging markets play an important part in achieving our ambitious growth targets. Russia, South Korea, South Africa, South America and the Middle East are instrumental in driving Audi's growth in 2012," said Mannering. South Korea recorded growth of 30.9 per cent while South Africa grew 20.4 per cent. The two markets combined now account for as many unit sales as the brand achieves in Russia, their strongest Eastern European market. In South America, Mexico grew at 46.8 per cent while Brazil grew at 68 per cent. Audi's growth in India was even steeper. Sales there grew 83.5 per cent to 5,511 cars, the highest growth rate of any premium brand in the market. -    42%: increase in Audi salesin Abu Dhabi last year -    39%: increase in Audi salesin Dubai last year