When compared to the 2008 results, which accounted for some 118,118 vehicles, the 2009 full-year results seem to consolidate Audi’s optimistic prognosis about upcoming years.
"The fast growth of the Chinese market this year is really unexpected," said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi's management board member with responsibility for sales and marketing. "If the market keeps growing like this, our sales are likely to reach 250,000 units in 2012 or 2013. This is a year of success," he added, pointing to the brand’s sales performance in Europe as well.
Amid this year’s global economic depression, Audi managed to sell from January to November 40,000 units more than BMW, placing it on the front position in its market segment in Europe. The brand in question did well this year in the United States too, where it suffered a minor set back of 7 percent in a market that fell 25 percent.
"With our long history and experience in China, our huge consumer group, our good cooperation with dealers, as well as the FAW Group, I don't see the possibility of our rivals beating us in the next several years," said Schwarzenbauer.
Audi’s next move for the Chinese market is the introduction of the A3 and A5 Sportsback next year. "We will (also) consider the possibility of introducing the A1, depending on how the Chinese market reacts to the A3," concluded Schwarzenbauer.
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