The battle for the top slot in Indian luxury car market is set to intensify further this year with the brand with the four rings setting an ambitious 2013 sales target to dislodge BMW from its No 1 position on volume terms. While Audi has recorded strong growth for the past two years and BMW reported a flat year in 2012, it would be interesting to watch as to how BMW gears up for the challenge.
Audi has been saying that it would reach No 1 position in Indian luxury car market by 2015. If Audi continues the trend of exceeding its sales target this year too, BMW will be forced to achieve a sales growth well above 15 per cent to retain its lead. After two strong growth years, BMW ended 2012 with flat volumes at 9,375 cars.
Betting on new launches and network expansion, Audi has set an annual sales target of 10,800 units for 2013, which will be an increase of 20 per cent over 2012’s volumes. Moreover, Audi is the first luxury car brand in India to set an annual sales target of over 10,000 units.
The Germany luxury brand has begun the year with a positive note as it has registered a sales growth of 10.5 per cent in January at 737 units in a sluggish Indian auto market.
“Following our record-breaking performance in 2012, we have set a target of 10,800 cars to be sold this year and have already opened our sales books with a bang. The year has started for us with the successful launches of the new Audi Q5 and the new Audi R8 and further expansion of our reach. Our January volumes signify our growing appeal among the luxury car customers. This was possible despite the price hike starting January this year,” said Michael Perschke, head, Audi India.
Driven by new launches, dealer expansion and marketing activities, Audi ended 2012 with stunning growth of 63 per cent in sales at 9,003 units for 2012, surpassing its upwardly revised sales target of 8,600 units.
The new Audi A4, Audi A8L and the Audi Q series (Audi Q7, Audi Q5 and Audi Q3) contributed significantly to making 2012 a success in terms of sales in India. “Demand for luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7, Audi Q5 and Audi Q3 is fast catching on even in tier-II and tier-III cities in India,” Perschke added.
Thus, leading the growth for brand in India are the Audi Q3, new Audi Q5 and Audi Q7. The new Audi A4 is reported to be doing exceptionally well with the younger audience. It also claims dominant position in the sports car segment with its Audi R8, Audi R8 Spyder, Audi RS5 and Audi S4.
In line with its higher sales target for the current year, Audi is to expand its network to 34 dealerships by the end of 2013 from its existing 25 outlets.
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