Audi Reports 22% Increase in July Year-Over-Year U.S. Sales; Brand on Track to Set Sales Record in 2010

HERNDON, Va., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi today reported strong July 2010 U.S. sales leading into a promising second-half of the year. Following its previous best first-half results of any year, Audi maintained its momentum as July 2010 sales of cars and SUVs increased 22% compared to July 2009. The July 2010 results indicate the German luxury automaker is on track to set a vehicle sales record by year-end.

For the month, Audi recorded 7,817 sales compared to 6,407 in July 2009. The July 2010 results were buoyed by the continued extraordinary public response by year-over-year sales increases in the Audi Q5 crossover, Audi A5 coupe and cabriolet models and the Audi A6 luxury sedan. In July 2010, Audi sold 1,930 Q5 vehicles, nearly 89% more than the 1,023 vehicles sold in July 2009. Demand for the A6 continued its positive arc with a 21.3% gain in July 2010 sales compared to July 2009.

Audi A3 sales jumped 26.6% from a year earlier. That gain was largely due to a strong consumer demand for the Audi A3 TDI®, which is the reigning 2010 Green Car of the Year. TDI clean diesel demand continued to outpace expectations as inventory remains low for the Audi A3 TDI model. Another positive product story for Audi came from sales of the Q7 line which increased 16.2% over last July.

"It is clear that Audi is continuing to gain momentum in the luxury vehicle market," said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. "Despite supply restrictions, we are confident that 2010 will leave Audi in the best position for yearly performance we have ever enjoyed in the U.S. market."

Audi sales highlights – July 2010

• July 2010 was the third-best July in Audi U.S. history.
• Strongest Audi U.S. markets in July 2010: Washington, D.C.; San Diego/Orange County, Calif.; Northern California; Chicago, and Texas.
• Audi sales on track to set U.S. record in 2010; first-half 2010 sales of 48,440 topped the record of 45,711 set in 2007.

Audi A5, Audi S5 July sales and news notes

• Sales rose 127.6% in July; sales up 131% calendar year to date.
• July 2010 sales of performance S5 coupe and cabriolet models were strong; 26.7% and 27.3% of the A5 / S5 sales mix respectively.

Audi A6 July sales and news notes

• Sales resurgence: up 21.3% in July; up 30.2% CYTD.
• Recent positive media evaluations confirm its position in competitive luxury segment.

Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 July sales and news notes

• Audi Q5 sales in July second only to A4.
• Audi Q5 sales up 88.7% for July and 73.8% CYTD; Audi Q7 sales up 16.2% for July, down 8.7% CYTD due to tight inventories.
• Audi Q5 and Q7 recognized as the best models in their segments in Strategic Vision 2010 Total Quality Index and 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.

Audi TDI July sales and news notes

• U.S. consumers embracing Audi clean diesel technology in Audi Q7 TDI and A3 TDI.
• A3 TDI accounted for 45.8% of all A3 July sales, outpacing expectation of 20% mix.
• Audi Q7 TDI July sales mix of 41% was limited by availability in showrooms.

ABOUT AUDI

Audi of America, Inc. and its 272 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Over the next few years, AUDI AG expects to spend nearly $2 billion annually on new products and technology. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

NOTES:

- 2010 A4 numbers include Audi A4 sedan, Avant, and S4 models. 2009 A4 numbers include A4 cabriolet, which has been discontinued.

- 2010 A5 numbers include Audi A5 cabriolet and coupe' and S5 cabriolet and coupe' models. 2009 A5 numbers do not include the cabriolet models.

- A6 includes Audi A6 sedan, S6 sedan and A6 Avant models.

- A8 includes Audi A8 sedan, A8L sedan, and S8 sedan models.

- TT includes Audi TT coupe' and TT roadster models.

SOURCE Audi of America, Inc.