8:14 pm, January 9, 2009
AUDI and Chevrolet are celebrating sales records, despite the downturn that’s affected the motor industry.
For the first time ever, Audi has sold more than 1 million cars. The marque managed to shift 1,003,400 vehicles worldwide in 2008.
This is the 13th consecutive year in which the company has smashed its records and the firm believes adding 12 new models to its ranks has played a large part in the success.
Figures revealed this week show sales increased by 4.1 per cent over the previous year, and with the introduction of the new A4 and the Audi Q5, December sales increased by a whopping 17.4 per cent compared to December 2007.
‘This 13th record year in a row is a success achieved by the entire Audi team.’ Rupert Stadler, chairman of the Audi board of management said.
‘We’ll continue to draw on this strength in the difficult year of 2009. We have ambitious long-term goals – we want to make Audi the most attractive premium brand worldwide.’
The successful growth of Audi in 2008 was excelled in the European markets. Western Europe saw a huge 22.7 per cent increase in sales in December 2008 compared to the previous year.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Audi saw an increase of 15.6 per cent more sales than 2007 selling cars to 155,100 customers. The US saw a 6.1 per cent fall in sales in 2008.
Chevrolet was another maker celebrating impressive sales in 2008. The maker has announced they sold more vehicles in the UK during 2008 than ever before.
Chevrolet UK sold a record 18,372 cars in 2008. The UK sales also helped the dealership to reach record sales in Europe selling over half a million.
‘The 2008 figures represent a great result for Chevrolet, and show that in a challenging economic climate, consumers put value for money first.’ said Chevrolet UK managing director Mark Terry.
by Nicola Linnington
