Audi announced that its sales in China, including Hong Kong, were up by 38.8 percent in 2006, maintaining the automaker’s lead in the premium segment.

Audi said in a statement that its Chinese-built “Audi A6L made a major contribution to this success” with production up up 36.5 percent. Sales of the Audi A4 rose 44.3 percent. Imports were up by nearly two-thirds, with sales of its top-line Audi A8 up 33.4 percent and the new Audi Q7 SUV adding 808 units.

China is the third-largest foreign market for Audi.

Full press release after the jump.

## Source: Audi ##

Another record year for Audi in China

* More than 80,000 vehicles sold in China for the first time
* China as second home market for Audi
* 124 exclusive dealerships – and rising

Audi extended its market leadership further in the premium segment in China in 2006: a total of 81,708 vehicles were sold last year on this market (including Hong Kong). This represents an increase of 38.8 percent. The Audi A6L made a major contribution to this success: 61,686 units of the Chinese version of the A6 were produced at the Changchun plant (up 36.5 percent). This makes China the biggest market for the A6 saloon. The Audi A4, also produced in Changchun, recorded an increase of 44.3 percent to 15,536 units. In terms of imports (3,586 vehicles, up 64.2 percent), the Audi A8 achieved significant growth (up 33.4 percent) to 2,778 vehicles. The Audi Q7 was successfully launched in the middle of the year (units sold: 808).

The highlight of 2006 was the presentation of the new Audi TT Coupe with the simultaneous unveiling of a TT sculpture during the Beijing Motor Show in November. The larger-than-life car on the forecourt of the Oriental Plaza symbolized the strong presence of Audi in China and became a real crowd-puller in the centre of Beijing. Audi’s new attraction, the 309 kW (420 bhp) Audi R8 sports car, also made its Chinese debut at the motor show.

Ralph Weyler, Board Member for Marketing and Sales at Audi, sums it up as follows: “The year 2006 represents a further milestone in Audi’s success story in China. We are delighted at the outstanding results – especially as China is on the way to becoming Audi’s second home market. In order to continue increasing our sales volume in future, we will be constantly expanding our exclusive dealer network.”

There are currently 124 exclusive Audi dealerships located in 86 cities. China is the third-largest foreign market for Audi. Audi has been present on the Chinese market since 1988.

Posted in: Audi, Manufacturing, China
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