The Indian arm of Audi, a world renowned German luxury automotive marque and subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, has witnessed consecutive two digit growth in the domestic market during this year’s January-March period. For March 2013, the company reported a 10.18 per cent surge in its vehicle sales in the country.
As per a press statement provided by the company, Audi India sold 1,104 units last month as compared to sales of 1,002 units during the corresponding period of 2012 calendar year. Further, during the first quarter of 2013, the German auto maker’s sales jumped up by 15.29 per cent at 2,616 units in the Indian luxury car market. In contrast to same, the company had sold 2,269 units in the country between January and March months of 2012.
Expressing his delight on the same, Michael Perschke, Head of India, was quoted as saying, “The first quarter of 2013 was a winning quarter for us. We surpassed our targets and are on our way to achieving further growth with strong plans for dealership expansion and exciting new products this year.”
At present, Audi’s stiffest rivals are fellow German contemporaries like BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the Indian luxury car market. The Volkswagen subsidiary came within touching distance of catching BMW’s sales in the country in 2012. Reportedly, Audi India managed to sell 9,003 units in the domestic market last year, whereas its German counterpart sold little more vehicles at 9,375 units in the same period. Therefore, this year Audi will be hoping to snatch number one position from the market leader BMW in the Indian premium car market.
Audi India has planned to introduce new products for the domestic buyers, in order to augment its share in the market. The German auto maker has also revealed intentions to expand its sales and dealership network to 34 facilities by the end of 2013 calendar year, from the existing 25 centres.
Speaking on the wide acceptance for Audi models among domestic premium car aficionados, Perschke added, “Despite a difficult market scenario, a highly competitive environment, new players and newer models, we see a strong acceptance for our brand among successful business leaders. We see a clear trend that achievers from all walks of life want to associate with a winning brand like Audi.”
