Audi’s global sales were buoyant in 2003, showing an increase for the tenth year running.
Audi’s global sales were buoyant in 2003, showing an increase for the tenth year running.
The Ingolstadt firm’s export quota went up to 69 per cent (67 per cent in 2002), and its vehicle sales worldwide increased by 3,7 per cent despite the unfavourable economic environment.
While performance in Western Europe remained static at 3,8 per cent, with decreases in market share in key markets such as Germany (2,4 per cent) and France (8,2 per cent), increased sales were achieved in Great Britain (6,9 per cent up), Italy (2,7 per cent better) and Spain (a 0,2 per cent improvement).
In Audi’s biggest export market, the USA, 86 421 Audis found new homes in 2003. This is equivalent to an increase of 0,8 per cent. The brand was especially successful in China, where a total of 63 531 cars were sold, an increase of 71,5 per cent. Japan’s sales figures rose by 12,8 per cent to 13 137, and in South Africa the figure in 2003 increased by 5,8 per cent.
The super sports car brand Lamborghini also reported the best sales figure in the company’s 40-year history: it sold a total of 1 305 cars (up 207,8 per cent), made up of 890 Gallardo and 415 Murciélago models.