Audi is taking on BMW in the United States. The luxury division of Volkswagen says it has set a goal of selling more than 200 000 cars a year within the next 10 years, and moving past BMW.
Audi is taking on BMW in the United States. The luxury division of Volkswagen says it has set a goal of selling more than 200 000 cars a year within the next 10 years, and moving past BMW.
reports that Audi plans to spend R111 billion between now and 2006 on developing vehicles. “I see Mercedes. I see Lexus. They’re left and right. But right in the crosshairs is BMW,” Len Hunt, vice-president of Audi of America, said. “Fill the product holes with the right cars, and we’ll do the rest.”
Volkswagen’s chief executive, Bernd Pischetsrieder, is committing more resources to Audi, which will help the division gain on BMW.
The report said that Audi’s US sales in the first quarter rose 2,9 per cent to 20 052 cars, while BMW sold 54 392 cars. This was a gain of 16 per cent. BMW said there had been a high demand for the 3-Series, 5-Series and new 7-Series. It said there were higher sales on most of the model lines except the Z3 roadster.
But analysts are not sure that Audi will be able to surpass BMW. They believe that Audi can reach 200 000 units, but believe BMW will be past that mark by then.
BMW will be boosted with the introduction of the Mini this year, and there is much talk of the 1-Series and 2-Series, which are expected within the next few years. This will help BMW dominate more segments of the market.
But Audi has just launched a few new-look models, including the A4 cabriolet, S6 and RS6. They will also be bringing out a new A8 to replace the current luxury limousine, while the new A6 and A3 are expected next year. And CARtoday.com reported recently that the Volkswagen Magellan sport-utility concept will be built as an Audi.
