Audi revenue rises 17.1pc to reach 31.1 billion euros

Announcing the annual results at a Press conference held in Ingolstat recently, Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, said: “Our 2006results demonstrate how to achieve profitable growth. Being the fastest growing premium brand in the world, the company is well on its way to becoming the most successful car manufacturer in the world by 2015.”

Launching the new premium sports car, the R8, Stadler said the revenue of the company rose by17.1 per cent to reach 31.1 billion euros.

Also, the measures to cut costs, boost productivity and optimise processes had a positive impact on earnings. Profit before tax reached 1,946 million euros, a rise of48.5 per cent, he added.

The Audi brand has established a new record for vehicle sales the eleventh year in succession in 2006. The company delivered 905,188 vehicles — a rise of 9.2 per cent.Vehicles were sold in 41 markets worldwide.

The company achieved its best sales figure ever in Germany with 257,792 vehicles sold in2006 — a rise of 4.3pc. The USA remains the biggest export market followed by UK and China, Stadler said.

In Europe excluding Germany, Audi enjoyed a growth of 7.7 per cent. The biggest rise in unit sales in absolute terms were achieved in Spain, France, Italy and the UK.The Lamborghini subsidiary improved on the previous sales in 2005, selling2,807 vehicles, he added. Audi plans to sell 1.5 million units by 2015 and hopes 2007 will be another strong year for the company. Apart from the new A5coupe and S5 models, the company also plans to roll out other new models this year.

The new R8model is a mid-mounted V8 engine with 4.4 litre displacement and four-valve FSI technology that produces 309 KW and can accelerate the car to 100 km/h in 4.6seconds with a top speed of 301 km/h. The price of the sporty, progressive R8starts at Dh415,000. With the price of oil going up by the day, Audi under the title “Progressive Performance,” will achieve a further reductions in fuel consumption by means of internal engine modifications and continue to explore alternative fuels, said Ralph Weyler, Member of the Board of Management, Audi.

Audi sees huge potential in ME

The company is optimistic about Middle East markets also. Talking to Khaleej Times about the company’s future plans, Ralph Weyler, Member of the Board of Management, said Audi is dynamic in Middle East with huge potential seen in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. A new plant will be setup in Kuwait. Audi Middle East has achieved 53 per cent increase in annual sales with a total volume of 4,616 vehicles delivered to customers in 2006.With numerous showroom openings, the new regional parts centre and training institutions, Audi is set to continue the positive growth trends in the region, according to Ralph Weyler.

The company has also entered new markets such as India and China. Audi sees long-term potential in the Indian market and considers China as its “second home market” with 80, 808 units sold in 2006. “We will continue to grow vigorously in China and extend our long-standing market lead for premium vehicles, said the Chairman of Audi.