Bmw-Audi battle moves to China as the country replaces Germany as No. 1 luxury market
By Julybien, 21 Dec, 2011. 0 Comments
2012 Bmw 6-Series Gran Coupe
China has become a haven for luxury cars this year, overtaking Germany as the number two market but still behind the top market, the U.S. According to an automotive sales analyst, the carmakers are expected to reach 939,000 luxury units in China this year, compared to 914,000 units in Germany.
China’s craving for luxury cars may also increase by 16 percent in 2012, compared to Germany’s 4.4 percent. This near stagnant growth could well be attributed to Germany’s current debt crisis, while Europe is expected to suffer from the recession for the first half of 2012. Meanwhile, China is getting more prosperous, spiking the demand for luxury items like expensive cars.
Luxury carmakers Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which is owned by Daimler, have posted a significant increase in 11-month sales in China. Audi grew 35% to 283,000 units, BMW hiked 40% to 200,699 and Mercedes rose 31% to 170,000. Audi, which recently surpassed Daimler as world number two luxury carmaker, is relying on its China sales to topple BMW from the top by 2015. [source: Autonews]
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