Audi's sales for the first nine months of 2012 increases by 18.3%

In the third quarter alone Audi delivered 2,355 vehicles to customers (2011: 1,877); an increase of 12.5%. The month of September was also the highest ever recorded month with 902 units sold, breaking the 900 units barrier for the first time.

The UAE is the most important Middle Eastern market in terms of volume for the brand with the four rings. 2,747 units were sold 2012 year-to-date (2011: 2,245), representing an increase of 12.2%. Symbolic of the market's potential, Al Nabooda Automobiles, official dealer for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, is set to open the world's largest Audi showroom in Dubai in November.

GCC sales overall increased by 26.5% to 6,629 units sold in 2012 year-to-date (2011: 5,602). While all GCC markets registered double-digit growth, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were the most important markets after the UAE with sales of 1,420 and 948 units and growth of 36.1 and 29.7%t respectively. The Near Eastern markets remained largely stable, apart from Syria, where sales have come to a halt.

Sales were driven by the Audi C & D segment sedans and SUV models. Audi's momentum benefitted strongly from robust demand for the technologically advanced Audi A6, generating a 70.3% sales increase year-to-date (2012: 1,306; 2011: 767). Audi's flagship vehicle, the Audi A8 L sedan, is up 32.3% (2012: 1,261; 2011: 953). Audi Q7 luxury SUV marginally slowed down to 1,137 units sold year-to-date (2011: 1,237). Consumers awaiting the model update can expect the new Audi Q7 in the second quarter of 2015. The Audi Q5 SUV fared well with an 11.9% increase over 2011 and 969 units sold (2011: 866).

"We are on track for a record year in 2012," said Jeff Mannering, Managing Director Audi Middle East. "Several markets of the region were affected by political unrest, however, the larger countries, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are pulling ahead on the back of strong core models, new model launches and improved infrastructure in sales and after sales service."