Audi posts record sales in China

For auto manufacturers, it is no longer surprising that China has posted record sales in the industry. In this time of crisis, the Chinese have helped in keeping the auto industry afloat with its record buying of 66,866 units in the six months of 2009.

German manufacturer Audi is pleased with their company’s best half year in the region with an increase of 11 percent compared to sales during the first half of 2008. Their best month, however, is June with sales reaching as high as 13,265, an increase of 28 percent.
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Agent00R - 7/7/2009 12:16:57 PM

-1 Boost

As 001 pointed out to me, it is not surprise why we have been seeing more new cars with Asian design influences.

China is becoming a powerful market and the auto builders need to take advantage of this.

Agent00R - 7/7/2009 12:17:24 PM

0 Boost

No surprise*

Bill - 7/8/2009 4:33:03 AM

+3 Boost

What exactly is "Asian design influence"? Audi products look very Teutonic to me. Conservative, but elegant with light infuses of dynamism and sport, the latter of which is increased in their sportier products.

A company doesn't really need to change the design of their product to suit a certain market. German products in China sell because their brands have an excellent reputation and because their designs are perceived as Teutonic / German / European. Cultural design cues are a major selling point in this business.

So I'll ask you again: What Asian design influences are you talking about?

kuvakas1 - 7/7/2009 6:06:53 PM

+3 Boost

No surprise indeed! Word has it that the recent rash of high end 4 door 'coupes' are a response to the Chinese market where it's a sign of status and prestige to sit in the back seat and be driven. Apparently, that was the primary impetus behind the Porsche Panamera. If you notice, most of those 'coupes' have a somewhat awkward line along the rearmost portion of the roof. This is to allow ample headroom for the back seat passenger. Porsches and Astons being designed for the market in China......things are changing very quickly!

GermanNut - 7/7/2009 7:11:06 PM

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Not suprising at all. Audi has catered to the Chinese market through its A4L and A6L sedans, which were designed specifically for Chinese customers.

Audi will gain even more ground on Mercedes-Benz and BMW when the June global sales are released tomorrow. With such a strong showing in China and extremely strong showing (relative to Mercedes-Benz and BMW's huge sales drops) in the United States market, Audi is poised to post its smallest year-on-year sales drop for all of 2009.

Audi is really creating some excellent vehicles that combine quality, design, performance, fuel-efficiency, and brand cachet.

Bill - 7/8/2009 4:36:37 AM

+3 Boost

"Audi is really creating some excellent vehicles that combine quality, design, performance, fuel-efficiency, and brand cachet."

You know, this also applies to BMW, Mercedes, hell Honda, too!

BobbyJ - 7/8/2009 12:17:56 AM

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This is why Audi's are garbage.
http://www.2plus3.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/audis.jpg

GermanNut - 7/8/2009 1:03:23 PM

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Look at Audi's sales numbers further solidifying its position as the market-leading premium luxury brand in China.