Audi sales continue to climb during recession

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - In spite of a sluggish economy, prestige brand Audi is continuting to grow its business in New Zealand.

Audi of New Zealand has secured its position as market leader for the fourth year in a row, with a record 28% share of the luxury market in 2010, according to the latest results released by the Motor Industry Association this month. Local sales volumes increased 23% year on year to 1,280 units for the German manufacturer. This exceeded Audi AG's global growth of 15 percent, with around a record 1,092,400 vehicles sold worldwide in 2010.

Audi of New Zealand General Manager, Dane Fisher, attributed the success to "superb quality and performance, a wide range of vehicles which suit the Kiwi lifestyle and the understated luxury of the brand which New Zealanders connect with."

Audi of New Zealand is investing $25 million over the next 3 years across the Audi dealer network nationwide, starting with the construction of a new multi-million dollar Giltrap Prestige dealership in Auckland. The new building's architecture will follow the 'Audi Terminal' concept, a groundbreaking design being rolled out by Audi internationally.

2010 was a significant year for new product releases for Audi, with a range of models launched across the luxury segment, including the all-new sub-compact A1, the design-focused A5 Sportback, the high-performance RS5 and the flagship new A8.

In order to sustain its market leadership in 2011, Audi will continue to invest substantially in new products and future technologies, focusing on optimizing conventional drive systems, and the development of drive technologies and lightweight construction.

"Audi's commitment to cutting-edge, forward-thinking design and technological innovation continues to keep the brand ahead of its competitors," said Fisher.

2011 will be another significant year for Audi's product range with the upcoming launches of the all-new A7 Sportback in February, the highly anticipated upgraded A6 in July and the high-performance RS3 in the third quarter.

"One of the key factors behind our success is the close fit between Audi vehicles and New Zealanders' active lifestyles," said Mr Fisher. "More than 60 percent of our local line-up offers quattro four-wheel-drive as standard, making Audi vehicles ideal to take to the beach or snow. Whether driving around the city or making the most of the diverse outdoor activities on offer in our own backyard, quattro delivers more traction, more driving safety and more driving pleasure."

ENDS

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