Audi, Mercedes report strong October sales in China
INGOLSTADT, Germany -- Audi AG says sales in China and Hong Kong rose 17 percent year-on-year to 48,108 units as demand remained strong for crossovers and compact sedans.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz sales surged 33 percent last month to 23,150 units, preserving its status as China's third largest luxury brand, behind Audi and BMW.
In the first ten months, Audi sales rose 16 percent year-on-year to 463,812 units. In that period, Mercedes sales have climbed nearly 31 percent to 226,635 units. BMW has not yet announced October sales results.s
To maintain its sales momentum, Audi is counting on strong sales of compact models like the A3 sedan. Last summer, the company began producing the redesigned A3 at its new assembly plant in Foshan.
Audi also has moved aggressively into China's fast-growing crossover segment. The Q3 and Q5, which are produced in China, generate nearly one-third of Audi's China sales.
Meanwhile, Mercedes has opened a new r&d center in Beijing to study the tastes of wealthy Chinese car buyers, and it is considering a new flagship model designed specifically for China's super premium market.
For the full year, Audi is expected to remain China's top-selling luxury brand. The consulting firm LMC Automotive forecasts Audi will sell 581,000 vehicles in China this year. BMW is expected to deliver 448,000 units, and Mercedes-Benz likely will sell 291,000 vehicles.
In the first ten months, Audi sales rose 16 percent year-on-year to 463,812 units. In that period, Mercedes sales have climbed nearly 31 percent to 226,635 units. BMW has not yet announced October sales results.s
To maintain its sales momentum, Audi is counting on strong sales of compact models like the A3 sedan. Last summer, the company began producing the redesigned A3 at its new assembly plant in Foshan.
Audi also has moved aggressively into China's fast-growing crossover segment. The Q3 and Q5, which are produced in China, generate nearly one-third of Audi's China sales.
Meanwhile, Mercedes has opened a new r&d center in Beijing to study the tastes of wealthy Chinese car buyers, and it is considering a new flagship model designed specifically for China's super premium market.
For the full year, Audi is expected to remain China's top-selling luxury brand. The consulting firm LMC Automotive forecasts Audi will sell 581,000 vehicles in China this year. BMW is expected to deliver 448,000 units, and Mercedes-Benz likely will sell 291,000 vehicles.
