Ingolstadt-based Audi AG sold more cars than its closest sales rival, BMW, in the first two months of this year. Audi, by doing this have attained the global lead in luxury car sales.
The German luxury car maker has collectively sold 2,42,400 vehicles in February. Although they have managed to keep BMW’s sales in check, by a margin of 383 cars. These figures seem modest but selling 383 luxury cars is no easy feat by any standards. In contrast, during the same period last year, BMW was at the lead and has been there for almost a decade.
"Competition in the premium segment is more intense than ever," Audi Chief Executive Officer Rupert Stadler said at the marque's headquarters in Ingolstadt. "We're ahead of our two main rivals in the first two months, but this doesn't really interest me much. Our focus is on further growth."
To further Stadler’s comment Audi, will introduce 17 new models which will also include current model updates in 2014. They also have planned to invest 22 billion euros (Rs 1.87 lakh crore) in the coming five years.
However, the competition is not too far, Mercedes has reported record sales for the same period. The introduction of the all-new S-Class and other new products like the CLA has fuelled demand. This is bound to grow further when additional models will be included in the three pointed star’s line up. BMW will have to work hard and need to push the horizon to retain the title of the global leader in luxury car sales and Audi will look forward to retain the title of the best-selling luxury brand.
Source: ET