Audi hails Australian sales record
German car producer Audi has posted a record sales result for the first half of 2005.
The company was now aiming to double sales in Australia within five years, officials said.
Audi retailed 2,389 vehicles to the end of June, a 35 per cent improvement compared to the same period last year, according to official industry figures.
It also posted a 10 per cent increases in sales of parts and accessories.
The company's strong growth was indicative of increased awareness of the Audi brand as well as a steady influx of new models, managing director Joerg Hofmann said.
"We have invested considerably in the Audi brand in Australia throughout the first half of 2005," Mr Hofmann said.
"The Australian prestige and luxury market is quite static at the moment, but there are a handful of brands who, like Audi, are showing strong growth.
"This is driven as much by excellent product as by increasing brand awareness."
Mr Hofmann said the target to double sales within five years meant there was pressure on the company to perform.
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Advertisement"We will exceed our sales target for 2005 and continue our strategy of steady growth, year-on-year, to reach our goal," he said.
Rival luxury brand Jaguar has also welcomed its first half result which arrested the decline in sales the company endured last year.
The company said it had also defied a five per cent downturn in total luxury car sales in Australia so far this year.
Jaguar posted sales of 487 units for the six months to the end of June, almost identical to the 490 vehicles sold over the same period last year.
"Volumes are where we planned them to be when we crafted our business strategy last year," general manager David Blackhall said.
"Although we rarely comment on specific targets, the June result represents the 12th consecutive month during which the Jaguar Australia team has delivered on its business plan targets, an outcome that is unique in my experience in the car business."
"Given that all of the growth in the Australian market is in small and medium cars and sports utility vehicles, we have a realistic idea of what success will look like for us and that is delivering consistent volumes month after month so that we end this year at least line-ball with 2004.
"We have challenged ourselves in a very realistic way to maintain a stable volume and margin platform for our business and the business of our dealer partners."
Source: The age