Audi Australia has achieved a record year-to-date sales result of 2,389 vehicles from January to June 2005, an increase of 35 percent over the previous year.

Audi sales for the month of June totalled 422 vehicles, up from 306 units in June 2004. The Audi A3, A4 and A6 model ranges performed particularly well for the brand, driving up sales in a relatively stagnant prestige and luxury market.

Parts and accessory sales were also at a record level of $2.46 million for the month of June 2005. Compared with the period January to June 2004, Audi Parts and accessory sales are up by 10 percent in 2005.

Managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says that the company’s strong growth over the past 6 month period is indicative of increased awareness of the Audi brand amongst the target market, as well as a steady influx of desirable new models.

“We have invested considerably in the Audi brand in Australia throughout the first half of 2005,” Mr Hofmann said.

“The Australian prestige and luxury market is quite static at the moment, but there are a handful of brands who, like Audi, are showing strong growth. This is driven as much by excellent product as by increasing brand awareness.

“Our sales target is to double our volume in 5 years, which means that the pressure is on to perform immediately. We will exceed our sales target for 2005, and continue our strategy of steady growth year-on-year to reach our goal,” Mr Hofmann said.

The next major new model for the brand will be the Audi Q7 SUV, says Hofmann, which will be shown for the first time in Australia at the 2005 Australian International Motor Show, and launched here in the third quarter of 2006.

Audi S4 cabriolet