Record sales in 41 markets, including the UK, bolster the meteoric rise of the Vorsprung durch Technik brand

• Sixth successive record sales year for Audi UK (86,003 cars)
• Record figures in 41 markets leading to a record worldwide sales total for the eleventh year running
• Success achieved in the UK even before new A5 Coupe and TT Roadster come on stream, and without a full year of TT Coupe sales

Helped by the achievement of a sixth successive record sales year by Audi UK, the Vorsprung durch Technik brand has exceeded its past worldwide sales totals for the eleventh year running, prompting speculation that it is set to become the world’s most successful premium brand by 2015.

Globally, 905,100 vehicles were delivered to customers in 2006, up from 829,109 in 2005, representing an increase of 9.2 percent, or almost 76,000 cars. A total of 41 markets set new sales records, including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, China and the USA. Audi UK recorded a 5.7 percent increase, reaching a new peak of 86,003 cars, up from 82,496 in 2005 - the sixth year in succession in which it has raised the bar.

The USA remains the largest Audi export market, with sales up 8.5 percent from 83,066 to a record 90,116, followed closely by the UK.

Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG remarked: “We have not only achieved our eleventh sales record in succession, but will also be announcing new record levels of revenue and earnings. Audi is the fastest-growing premium brand. This puts us well on our way to becoming the most successful premium manufacturer in the world by 2015.”

In the UK, Head of Operations Gary Savage was equally buoyed by the results: “2006 illustrates again the ever-growing popularity of Audi with UK car buyers – to post an increase of 5.7 percent in a market that declined by 3.9 percent is nothing short of a remarkable achievement,” he said.

“Particular highlights for us were record A3 and A6 sales, segment leading Q7 figures and an outstanding reception for both the RS 4 quattro and the new TT, which put paid to our entire 2006 UK allocation even before it was launched. The fact that our order bank for 2007 is already 73 percent ahead of last year can only bode well for our performance in the coming months,” he added.