AUDI is on the way to a new sales record for the Middle East in 2012, reporting sales records for the month of September, for the third quarter and for 2012 year-to-date overall. Sales for the first nine months of 2012 increased by 18.3 percent compared to the same period in 2011 to 6,629 units (2011: 5,602). In the third quarter alone Audi delivered 2,355 vehicles to customers (2011: 1,877); an increase of 12.5 percent. September was also the highest ever recorded month with 902 units sold, breaking the 900 units barrier for the first time. The UAE is the most important Middle Eastern market in terms of volume for the brand with the four rings. 2,747 units were sold 2012 year-to-date (2011: 2,245), representing an increase of 12.2 percent. Symbolic of the market's potential, Al Nabooda Automobiles, official dealer for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, is set to open the world's largest Audi showroom in Dubai in November. GCC sales overall increased by 26.5 percent to 6,629 units sold in 2012 year-to-date (2011: 5,602). While all GCC markets registered double-digit growth, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were the most important markets after the UAE with sales of 1,420 and 948 units and growth of 36.1 and 29.7 percent respectively. The Near Eastern markets remained largely stable, apart from Syria, where sales have come to a halt. Sales were driven by the Audi C & D segment sedans and SUV models. Audi's momentum benefitted strongly from robust demand for the technologically advanced Audi A6, generating a 70.3 percent sales increase year-to-date (2012: 1,306; 2011: 767). Audi's flagship vehicle, the Audi A8 L sedan, is up 32.3 percent (2012: 1,261; 2011: 953). Audi Q7 luxury SUV marginally slowed down to 1,137 units sold year-to-date (2011: 1,237). Consumers awaiting the model update can expect the new Audi Q7 in the second quarter of 2015. The Audi Q5 SUV fared well with an 11.9 percent increase over 2011 and 969 units sold (2011: 866). – SG
