Audi Middle East reports 38.2% growth in 2007

Audi dealers sold 6,380 new vehicles during 2007, up 38.2% over 2006, which will aid Audi globally as the company has its sights set on another record year. During 2007 Audi made significant gains in key markets, including Jordan (+266.9 %), Kuwait (+76.7 %), and Dubai (+52.4 %).

Audi's growth, both in the Middle East and globally, has been fuelled by a strong and growing portfolio. Audi introduced the all-new TT coupe and roadster as well as the Audi A8 Product Improvement, which was revealed at the Dubai Motor Show in October. And Audi was one of the most talked about brands throughout 2007 as the industry and customers awaited the September market introduction of the Audi R8, the all-new high-performance sports car. Audi dealers reported skyrocketing sales in 2007 of the Audi Q7 sport utility vehicle (+ 97.9 %), and further growth particularly on the Audi A4 and A6.

Investment in the brand continued at a strong pace during 2007. Human resources were put to the forefront of organisational development with the Audi Certified Sales Program. The first group of 18 sales people were certified after attending intensive training and passing the two-day final assessment. The customer benefits from improved service standards which greatly contributes to the overall Audi experience. Furthermore, Audi dealerships added new exclusive showrooms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain and opened the Middle East Parts Distribution Center in Jebel Ali/Dubai in early 2007.

'2007 was an exciting year for Audi, both here in the Middle East and globally. Audi dealers set record sales, and it's clear to me that more and more customers are putting Audi on their 'must-see' shopping list,'

stated Bernd Rosenbichler, Head of Marketing at Audi Middle East.

Parent company AUDI AG in Germany recently announced plans to invest nearly $15.9bn (EUR10.6bn) between 2008 and 2012, of which $11.9bn (EUR7.9bn) will be earmarked for product development. Annual investments in product development will remain steady at around $3bn (EUR2bn) per year, which will aid in achieving the brand's stated goal of being the most successful premium brand by the year 2015.