October 2008 Sales: Audi of America

[VenSeattle]

Audi Bucks Industry Sales Slump, Boosts Market Share

Nov. 7 /PRNewswire/

Link to Press Release

- Audi sets record new vehicle sales for October

- A5 posts third consecutive record month; all-time sales record on R8

- All-new 2009 A4 sales continue to grow

- Industry as a whole down 31.9% in October; import high group down 28.1%

overall

HERNDON, Va., Nov. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi's aggressive growth strategy

has paid off in increased market share. For October, 2008, Audi reached a

market share of 8.6% within its competitive set, up from 6.2% 12 months

ago. Audi's car share performance was even stronger, increasing 3.6% to

11.1% for October.

Additionally, Audi sets a sales record in October, despite the worst

sales climate in nearly 25 years. Strong performances from the A5, A8, R8,

and all-new A4 models contributed to Audi's success.

"Audi's market share is rising because consumers become more discerning

during challenging times," said Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice

President, Audi of America. "Tough economic times inspire greater

selectivity in the purchase of a luxury car, and that plays to Audi's

strengths. The current economic climate is a huge opportunity for us."

Audi was the only brand to report growth on a car basis in the import

high group in October and is the only manufacturer that has positive car

share year-over-year. The import high group is a competitive set of vehicle

brands that includes Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes, Porsche, Saab, Volvo,

Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus. By comparison, competitors BMW, Mercedes-Benz

and Lexus saw car sales drop 15.1%, 42.3%, and 37.9%, respectively for the

month of October.

October was an especially good month for Audi in several key U.S.

markets, most notably Chicago, where sales grew 31.7%, mostly due to

surging numbers for the all-new A4 and A5 models. Sales were also

especially strong in Denver (+27.6%), Boston (+25.9%), Houston (+8.9%) and

Los Angeles (+5.3%), reflecting broad consumer interest in the Audi brand

from coast to coast.

Another sign of brand strength is individual dealer year-over-year

sales performance, according to de Nysschen. On average, the top 25 U.S.

Audi dealers reported an increase of nearly 1% year-over-year. de Nysschen

noted that these dealers are all located in major metropolitan areas and

their sales total over 30% of all Audi sales nationwide.

Strong consumer interest for the all-new 2009 A4 was a particularly

bright spot for Audi this month. In its first full month of sales

reporting, the A4 was up 7.7% over October 2007, with 3,784 units sold.

Dealers also reported strong demand for the Audi A5 coupe, posting a third

consecutive month of record sales with 865 units sold. To round out another

successful month, Audi also posted an all-time sales record on the R8.

Despite the automotive industry's woes, Audi's growth strategy remains

aggressive. Dealers have nearly sold out 2008 model year inventory, and new

models are being rolled out in quick succession. In addition to the

late-September launch of the all-new 2009 A4, Audi is introducing the Audi

Q5 to American drivers in early 2009. Audi showrooms will also begin

selling Audi's clean diesel TDI technology next year, with the introduction

of the Audi Q7 TDI luxury sport utility vehicle.

ABOUT AUDI

Audi of America and its 270 dealers offer a full line of

German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of the freshest

in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model

years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally.

Last year AUDI AG recorded its 12th consecutive record year for sales and

profit growth. Visit http://www.audiusa.com or http://www.audiusanews.com for more

information regarding Audi vehicles and business issues.

    AUDI US SNAPSHOT                               -----YEAR TO DATE-----
    Model Line        Oct-08  Oct-07   Yr/Yr %   Oct-08    Oct-07   Yr/Yr %
                      actual  actual    change      YTD       YTD    change
                                                 actual    actual
    A3                   255     471    -45.9%    3,989     5,302    -24.8%
    A4                 3,784   3,514      7.7%   36,185    36,330     -0.4%
    A5                   865     151    472.8%    5,056       266  1,800.8%
    A6                   758     937    -19.1%   10,021     9,699      3.3%
    A8                   415     338     22.8%    2,583     3,092    -16.5%
    TT                   268     440    -39.1%    3,700     3,524      5.0%
    R8                   114      36    216.7%      635       103    516.5%
    Audi Q7              984   1,533    -35.8%   11,091    17,582    -36.9%
    Total Audi Sales   7,443   7,420      0.3%   73,260    75,898     -3.5%


    NOTES:
    -- A4 includes Audi A4 sedan, Avant, and RS models.
    -- A5 includes Audi A5 coupe' and S5 coupe' models.
    -- A6 includes Audi A6 sedan, S6 sedan and A6 Avant models.
    -- A8 includes Audi A8 sedan, A8L sedan, and S8 sedan models.
    -- TT includes Audi TT coupe' and TT roadster models.