Audi No. 1 Million Sold in China

For quite some time now, a record or milestone announced by any carmaker which sells its products in China is no longer surprising. We've seen how the Chinese automotive industry surpassed that of the US and how, for many, became one of the biggest markets in the past two years.

The trend which began in 2009 continues in 2010 as well, a year when we've had our share of big sales results coming from China as well. For the Germans from Audi, for instance, 2010 is proving to be just as exciting as 2009.

The carmaker announced today it has managed to deliver the 1 millionths car wearing the four-ringed logo to a Chinese customer. The car in question, a metallic blue Q5, was accompanied off the lines by a ceremony held in Changchun.

“This record is yet another milestone in the history of Audi in China,” said Rupert Stadler, Audi chairman of the board. “We were the first premium brand in China 22 years ago and have been the unrivaled market leader in this segment ever since – a success story we’re extremely proud of.”

The good news for the Chinese industry is that out of the million vehicles sold since 1988, when Audi signed a license agreement with FAW for the Audi 100, 950,000 were made in Changchun and only 50,000 imported.

The good news for Audi is that is has become the first premium segment carmaker who passed the 1 million vehicles sold milestone.

“And we have already set our sights firmly on the next sales target: We intend to reach the second million within the next three years,” promises Dietmar Voggenreiter, President of Audi China.