Audi deliveries decline 5.8% as luxury market slows
Audi AG sales in China declined 5.8 percent year on year in June to 47,831 vehicles as the slowing economy affected demand for luxury cars and light trucks.
Despite the downturn, Audi remains China's No. 1 luxury brand. In the same period, BMW Group deliveries rose 0.2 percent to 40,200 vehicles and Mercedes-Benz sales jumped 38 percent to 32,507.
For the first six months, Audi sales edged up 1.9 percent to 273,853 units. BMW's first-half sales rose 2.5 percent to 230,601, and Mercedes deliveries rose nearly 22 percent to 165,321 light vehicles.
Although sales slowed sharply in June, Audi executives saw it coming. Sales growth slowed each month this year from 15 percent in January to 0.2 percent in April.
The company is counting on less pricey models like the A3 Sportback, the A1 hatchback and the Q3 crossover to appeal to younger, cost-conscious consumers.
Audi has forecast that sales will surpass 600,000 units this year, up 3.6 percent from 2014. If the company is going to hit that target, it will do so on the strength of smaller, less profitable models.
For the first six months, Audi sales edged up 1.9 percent to 273,853 units. BMW's first-half sales rose 2.5 percent to 230,601, and Mercedes deliveries rose nearly 22 percent to 165,321 light vehicles.
Although sales slowed sharply in June, Audi executives saw it coming. Sales growth slowed each month this year from 15 percent in January to 0.2 percent in April.
The company is counting on less pricey models like the A3 Sportback, the A1 hatchback and the Q3 crossover to appeal to younger, cost-conscious consumers.
Audi has forecast that sales will surpass 600,000 units this year, up 3.6 percent from 2014. If the company is going to hit that target, it will do so on the strength of smaller, less profitable models.
