The global economic downturn has been blamed for many negative effects across different areas, and the European car industry is no exception. But some companies seem to have been able to make the most of the hidden opportunities this difficult situation still holds: Audi took its chance and came out fighting over the last few months. The Bavarian producer, one of the favourite luxury brands in car sales websites across Europe such as Italy’s eBay Annunci, has been able to deliver an impressive 12.9% increase in worldwide sales in the month of July 2012 over the same month of the previous year. Comparing the whole first half of 2012 to the first six months of 2011, the data speaks of a similar growth of 12.3%.
With 852,900 units sold over the same period, it’s clear to see how Audi’s recent history is an incredibly successful one, which owes much to a fantastic performance in extra-European markets: while the European sales went up by 5.5%, a proper boom was noticed in China, where a +34.6% was reached, with peaks of +80% for the locally assembled Audi Q5. Meanwhile, the news from across the Pond was equally impressive: sales in the United States saw a 28% increase for the month of July, the best month in the American history of the Bavarian manufacturer and its 19th consecutive record in the country.
The data was commented enthusiastically by Audi of America’s Chief Operating Officer, Mark Del Rosso: “Audi models exude emotion and innovation, and consumers are responding. A record July kicks off a second half that will see the brand gain even more sales momentum.” Back in the German homeland, the same excitement is building up around the new A3, which will hit European markets from the end of the month: a roaring autumn of success lies ahead for the brand of the four rings.
