AUDI, one of the luxury car brands linked to Volkswagen AG, denied a report that it is seeking to split from its parent company in China following the addition of a Chinese name on all its domestically made sedans that may inadvertently highlight the Audi brand.

Since May 1, FAW Volkswagen, VW's venture with First Automotive Works Group, added the Chinese name FAW Audi on home-made Audi A4 and A6 models which are produced in its plants.

The move comes five months after the Chinese government required automakers to provide more details of the models that are made in China on the car's body, including the maker's name, trademark and specification model.

However, previous media reports speculated the move may weaken Audi relationship with its parent.

"If you put Volkswagen on an Audi car, sometimes it is confusing for the customers," said Trevor Hill, executive director of Audi Division from Volkswagen (China) Investment Co Ltd.

"The law doesn't say that you have to put the full company name, so from Audi's point of view, it's a very good solution for us to choose the partner and the brand to keep the customer's focus on Audi," Hill told Shanghai Daily. "And we have no plans to do an independent operations separate from Volkswagen in China."

The Audi Division was created by FAW Volkswagen in January to take charge of the sales network for all home-made and imported Audi cars, which used to be done by FAW Volkswagen Sales Co Ltd.

Hill estimated that sales of Audi will grow faster than the whole auto market this year in China, the brand's fastest-growing market, but he did not reveal specifics.

In the first four months, sales of Audi in the domestic market doubled to 26,636 units from a year earlier after 7,475 units were sold in April, a 70 percent rise year on year. Last year, Audi sold 58,878 units in China, up 9.8 percent from 2004.

To boost its sales this year, Audi will launch its popular sports utility vehicle Q7 into China at the end of July to compete with BMW's X5 and Porsche Cayenne.
source:http://www.shanghaidaily.com/art/2006/05/15/277863/Audi_denies_split_from_parent_in_China.htm

love audis...great to know FAW still working with them...

South Korea's Hankook Tire signs supply deal with Audi China
12/14/06 12:29 AM ET

SEOUL (XFN-ASIA) - Hankook Tire Co said it has signed an agreement to supply tires to the China operations of Audi AG, starting from June.

The company said will supply Audi China with around 90,000 tires by the end of 2007 for use on the Audi A6L, the long wheel base A6 luxury sedan, and the A4.

It did not disclose financial terms of the agreement.

'This is a significant turning point for us since it marks the beginning of Hankook Tire's foray into the high-end automobile market,' said executive vice president and head of Hankook Tire China Choi Jin- Wook.

Hankook Tire said it plans to continue seeking orders to equip premium cars.

Source http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/afx/2006/12/14/afx3253599.html

Audi changes strategy and opts for sports cars to drive sales
By Jin Jing 2007-6-25


AUDI AG will import its R8 sports car and A5 sports sedan into the Chinese market next year as it taps the market of private auto buyer to boost sales and raise its market share.

The R8 model will be introduced early next year and the A5 will hit the market in the first quarter, according to Werner Paul Eichhorn, general manager of FAW-Volkswagen Audi Sales Division.

"Our current product line-up and future models in China will have more sports features and target social elites," said Eichhorn. "The models would be a customer's second or third car."

The two sports models follow the imports of its Audi TT coupe and Q7 sports utility vehicle last year in China as the luxury car unit under Volkswagen AG is placing more emphasis on sports features in a switch from its earlier brand image of a "Business model" in China.

Audi used to occupy 70 percent of China's luxury car market with its Audi A4 and A6 sedans due to large procurements from the Chinese government and companies.

"We have very limited products in China before, but we have a big turnaround in the past two years with the successful launch of Audi TT, Q7 and A8," said Eichhorn, "I think with the expanding product line-up, our brand concept will be more accepted by Chinese customers."

Audi changed its strategy to lure more private auto buyers because its early domination has been challenged by the influx of other brands including Mercedes-Benz, BMW as well as Japan's Lexus made by Toyota.

But Audi accounts for 50 percent of the luxury car market now, versus BMW's 18 percent and Benz's 12 percent.

I hard about BMW will be made in china
is that right?

Audi to introduce A8L, R8 and A5 to Chinese market early next year.

German luxury carmaker Audi plans to introduce Audi A8L, Audi R8 and Audi A5 to Chinese market by the end of this year through early next year, a senior Audi official said during at a recent auto show in Guangzhou.

An Shihao, general manager of FAW-Volkswagen Audi Sales Division, also said that the new generation of Audi A5 will be locally produced in China by 2009.

Audi has further consolidated its leading position in Chinese luxury vehicle market by selling 83,863 vehicles in the first ten months of the year, an increase of 25.9 percent from one year earlier.

In addition, Audi sold a total of 6,500 vehicles in imported units within the first ten months of the year, and its TT sport car leads the sales among the same range market segment.
Ralph Weyler, head of Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG said in Germany that he expected to sell over 100,000 vehicles in Chinese market this year, Shanghai Securities News reported.

Earlier in the year Ralph Weyler unveiled plans to raise its sales target in Chinese market from the current 82,000 units to 200,000 by 2010.

Currently Audi has 120 franchised stores in Chinese market and the company plans to expand the total number to 170 in the next two or three years, said the general manager of FAW-VW Audi Sales Division.

source: Gasgoo.com

I hard about BMW will be made in china
is that right?

BMW is producing 3-series and 5-series in China from 2003. It has a joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited. Here are some information about BMW China:

BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. is a joint venture established between BMW Group and Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. The Company engages in the production, sales and after-sales service of premium automotive products of the BMW brand.

BMW Brilliance was registered in May 2003 with its manufacturing facilities located in Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province of China. As a new partner and an integral part of the Chinese automotive industry, BMW Brilliance is committed to serving the customers in China with top-notch products right from the outset. There is no doubt that the BMW cars made by BMW Brilliance will fully meet all the worldwide high quality standards of the BMW Group.

In 2005, BMW Brilliance has delivered 15,300 units to customers of the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series. During the first three quarters of 2006, the sales volume of BMW 3 Series and 5 Series has surpassed the gross one in 2005.

The Shenyang plant was officially opened on May 20, 2004, which marks the completion of the phase I construction and sets a new milestone for BMW's development in China.

According to BMW's quality audit of its BMW-brand production plants in 2004, the Shenyang plant consistently meets BMW's high standards, specifically in regard to the production process, quality control and advanced technology systems.

BMW Brilliance sees the associates as a decisive element for the company's success. "To make personal achievements as producing BMW cars" is the requirement and commitment by BMW Brilliance for each associate. Corporate culture and overall competence of the associates have always been the emphasis of BMW Brilliance. The first BMW Brilliance Open Day was successfully held at BBA Plant Shenyang on July 23rd 2006. More than 9,000 associates and their families participated in the event.

Audi to introduce A8L, R8 and A5 to Chinese market early next year.



source: Gasgoo.com


currently i hear audi is the most popular luxery brand in china for cars

Audi Q7 SUVs to be recalled in China due to trunk defects.

December 6, 2007. FAW VW, the joint venture between China’s First Auto Works and German automaker Volkswagen announced to recall Audi Q7 SUVs, China News Agency reported yesterday.

In a report submitted to China’s State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, FAW VW said the company will recall 4,076 Audi Q7 SUV vehicles sold in China. These vehicles were made between June 2006 and July 2007. The recall will start on December 6, the report said.

The report said safety risks had been identified in the electronic-controlled trunk of Audi Q7 models sold in Chinese market. The problem may cause car owners to lose control in opening or closing their trunk.

Audi sold 100,888 vehicles in Chinese market in 2007.
January 7, 2008 - German luxury automaker Audi sold 100,888 vehicles in China’s mainland market in 2007, up 24.8 percent from one year earlier.

In 2007, Audi sold 73,404 domestically produced Audi A6 vehicles, up 19.0% from one year earlier. The automaker sold 19,764 Audi A4 vehicles in the same year, up 42.2 percent from one year earlier. Altogether, the company sold 93,168 domestically made Audi vehicles in Chinese market in 2007.

In the same period, 7,720 Audi vehicles were imported to Chinese market in 2007, up about 100 % from one year earlier. Among the imported Audi vehicles, 3,401 are Audi A8L; 3,631 are Audi Q7 and 688 are Audi TT vehicles.

China becomes Audi's second biggest market globally
German luxury automaker Audi said its sales in China, including Hong Kong, rose 25 percent to a record 101,996 vehicles, which makes China the largest market for Audi besides Germany, China Business News reported today.

In 2007, Audi sold 100,888 vehicles in China's mainland market, up 24.8 percent from one year earlier. Altogether, the company sold 93,168 domestically made Audi vehicles in the same year, while 7,720 Audi vehicles were imported. Demand was highest for its A6 and A4 models.

"We expect in 2008 a further increase in vehicle sales and anticipate a push from the market launch of the Audi R8, as well as the A5 and S5," Audi sales and marketing boss Ralph Weyler said in a statement.

source: Gasgoo.com

Audi to launch three new models in China this year.

January 28, 2008 - German luxury automaker Audi plans to introduce three models into Chinese market this year. Audi R8, A5 will be imported to China in January and March and redesigned A4 will be locally produced and launched by the end of this year.

Audi’s smaller vehicle Audi A5, however, will not be introduced until 2009, the report said.

Audi R8 sports car, priced at 1.78 million yuan ($246,890), went on sale in Chinese market on January 17. While Audi A5, priced at 700,000 yuan ($96,220) to 850,000 yuan ($113,863), will go on sale in March this year.

Audi R8 sports car will be equipped with V10 engine similar to Lamborghini Gallardo, and it accelerates to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds. The A5 model will come with a 3.2L six-cylinder engine and accelerate to 62 mph in 8.4 seconds. The new generation Audi A4 will come with five engine options, including 1.8L TFSI, 2.7LV6, 2.0L TDI, 3.0L TDI and 3.2L FSI.

Last year Audi sales in China, including Hong Kong, rose 25 percent to a record 101,996 vehicles, making China the largest market for Audi outside of Germany.

Currently Audi A4 and A6 are only two models locally produced in China.

source: Cheshi.com.cn

Audi to launch three new models in China this year.



source: Cheshi.com.cn


This is good, Audi is a great car and appreciated in china and should step up their output

Audi sales in China rose 24.8% in 2007.

March 17, 2008 - Audi has reported record figures for sales, revenue and profits for 2007, and particularly, China (including Hong Kong) has become the biggest single foreign market for Audi in 2007 , with 101,996 cars sold, up 24.8 percent year on year.

"Our growth in China is remarkable: we're the first premium carmaker to sell more than 100,000 cars here," said sales and marketing chief Ralph Weyler.

Globally, Audi ended the year having sold 964,151 cars, up 6.5% compared with 2006. The company also reported that profit before tax and sales revenue were $2,915 million and $33,617 million respectively, both hitting record.

The Audi Group achieved significant growth of 4.4 percentage points in the return on investment to 18.6 percent. Earnings rate also increased from 6.2 to 8.7 percent.

"This means that Audi is one of the most profitable companies in the international automotive industry today," Axel Strotbek, member of the board of management for finance and organization of Audi AG.

Audi sold 686,480 cars in Europe during 2007, an increase of 4.3% over the previous year. In the United States, sales rose 3.8 percent to 93,506 vehicles from 90,116 units. 254,014 cars were sold in Germany, down a slight 1.5 percent than the previous year.

source: Gasgoo.com

Audi reports 25% rise in China car sales in Q1 of 2008.

April 02, 2008 - Audi, Volkswagen's high-end line, reported it sold 30,000 units in China in the first three months, a 25 percent increase over the same period a year earlier.

The sales figure in the first two months was 19,188 units, and March sales were about 11,000, according to Zhang Xiaojun, Deputy Managing Director of the FAW-Volkswagen Audi Sales Division.

"As the largest overseas market for the brand, China accounted for 10.5 percent of global sales of Audi vehicles," he said here on Monday.

The luxury auto maker has set an annual sales target of 200,000 units in China before 2015, but it is very likely the goal will be accomplished before then.

Audi sold 964,000 units in the global market last year, ranking third in luxury car sales after BMW and Mercedes Benz. The two leaders sold 1.28 million and 1.19 million units respectively.

Audi realized 33.62 billion euros (52.6 billion U.S. dollars) in sales worldwide last year, and reported a pre-tax profit of 2.92 billion euros.

source: Xinhua

i think audi will overtake bmw in sales within 5 years in world market..so its natural to see good growth in china

Audi to debut A5 Coupe at Beijing auto show.
Audi A5 Coupe will be launched at Beijing auto show. The Audi A5 to be introduced into China is designed for the sub-market between luxury B-level and C-level sport sedans.

http://www.gasgoo.com/resource/editor/1(11).jpg

The A5 coupe’s engine with a capacity of 3.2 liters is equipped with the Audi valvelift system (AVS) and is remarkable for its output of 195 kW (265 bhp). The gear box is manual / automatic integrated tiptronic or stepless / manual integrated multitronic. And all these come with Quattro four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.

The suggested price of this vehicle is about 56,265 euros (580,000 yuan) in the European market, while the selling price in China will not be announced until April 20.


Audi Q5 to make its world debut at Beijing auto show
Just a few days before its world debut at the 2008 Beijing auto show, spy photographers caught the 2009 Audi Q5 on Nurburg streets, Germany. The spy photos will be confirmed on the coming Sunday when the Beijing show kicks off.

The five-passenger Q5 is expected to offer a choice of gas and diesel engines in Europe, with a 3.2-liter V6 likely to be the base power plant, and a hybrid edition is also likely to be launched at the same time. Latest sources said that Audi Q5 will use the same engine system as FAW's Tiguan, and that means the premium crossover will come to the global markets with Audi's 1.4TSI, 2.0TDI, 3.0TDI engines for choice.

The Q5, which uses the same Quattro four-wheel-drive system and the same chassis that underpins the Audi A5/A4, will be rolling into European showrooms this year and will reach U.S. dealers early next year as a 2010 model. Prices are expected to start at less than $40,000.

Ii is reported that t Audi Q5, which is seen as Audi's answer to the X3 from BMW and Mercedes' upcoming GLK, will have a strong family resemblance to the Audi Q7.

Audi is using the Beijing show to roll out its newest model the Audi Q5 crossover in part because it sees China as a key market for growing sales. China is now Audi's second-biggest market, after Germany.

http://www.gasgoo.com/resource/editor/AudiQ5(1).jpg

source: gasgoo

Audi to introduce eco-friendly TDI sedan into China.

May 19, 2008 - Audi AG will introduce soon to China more eco-friendly and energy-efficiency vehicle models including the new TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) disel sedan, reinforcing the carmaker's eco-friendly vehicle concept.

FAW-Volkswagen says that at present Audi AG has introduced into the Chinese market 14 models with the FSI engine, including the A4, A6L, Q7, A8L, TT, R8, and especially the A5 that debuted at 2008 Beijing auto show. These models cover 60% of the existing models on sale. Audi AG will also introduce to China more eco-friendly and energy-efficiency vehicle models including new TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) disel sedan in the near future.

Audi A5 TDI: Based on its recently announced Green Strategy, Audi AG launched into the market A6L2.8FSI, A8L2.8FSI, and A53.2FSI successively.

Audi Q7 TDI: Through overall upgrades on related fuel emission systems, Audi Q7 TDI is to improve performance efficiency and reduce the fuel consumption as well as emissions.

Audi A6 all-road TDI: Audi AG has reduced 30% of the carbon dioxide emissions generated by unit power output through improving energy efficiency since 1995. And Audi A6 all-road TDI strategy is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emission 20% more by 2012 among Audi lineup.

source: Gasgoo.com

TDI is good idea for china

but the Q5 looks like MAZDA 3 from that angle

How sure is it, that Audi will produce the Audi A5 in China as the third car?
Does anybody has any information about it?

Thanks.

FAW VW to recall 178,731 Audi A4, A6 sedans in China.

June 2, 2008 - FAW-Volkswagen Automobile Co. Ltd has announced a recall of 178,731 units of its A4, A6 and A6L model due to ignition coil problems.

In a filing to China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the automaker said that the affected vehicles were equipped with defective ignition coil that leaves the cars prone to sudden power losses and potential engine damage.

The affected vehicles were produced from January 2001 to October 2006. Six accidents because of the defect have been reported. Those customers with the problems can go to any Audi authorized dealer to replace the ignition coil.

source: Gasgoo.com

FAW VW to recall 178,731 Audi A4, A6 sedans in China.

June 2, 2008 - FAW-Volkswagen Automobile Co. Ltd has announced a recall of 178,731 units of its A4, A6 and A6L model due to ignition coil problems.

In a filing to China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the automaker said that the affected vehicles were equipped with defective ignition coil that leaves the cars prone to sudden power losses and potential engine damage.

The affected vehicles were produced from January 2001 to October 2006. Six accidents because of the defect have been reported. Those customers with the problems can go to any Audi authorized dealer to replace the ignition coil.

source: Gasgoo.com

shoot i have a Audi a4 in north america.. i wonder if mine will be affected too

my coils actually cracked and the dealership replaced them for free

Three Audi milestone models to be made in China.

June 6, 2008 - In 2007, Audi sold 100,888 vehicles in China, which has become Audi's second largest market in the world. As one of the three luxury German brands, Audi has overtaken its two rivals and topped the list of 100,000-unit annual sales.

However, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have launched various new models in recent years, competing with Audi for market share in China. Now Audi also listed three new models as locally made versions for the Chinese market.

A3:
The all-new Audi A3, to be priced between 250,000 yuan ($35,971) and 350,000 yuan, targets to rival BMW 1-Series and the future Mercedes-Benz B-class.
The upgraded A3 features a body styling similar to the latest-generation A4. New visual details abound both in the interior and exterior. The front and rear of the body are restyled, with the new front grill and headlamps, and distinctive tail lamps.

http://www.gasgoo.com/resource/editor/%E5%A5%A5%E8%BF%AAA3.jpg


Audi A4:
The all-new A4 aims to rival the fifth-generation BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-class, to be priced between 300,000 yuan and 500,000 yuan. To be produced in the FAW-VW joint venture, the latest-generation Audi A4 will come up early in 2009.
Similar to the A5 both in the front and the rear, the A4 uses an impressive all-new design of the exterior and chassis. Though the A4 couldn’t rank among luxury cars under the Audi brand, it features a front design of the premium sport car in the Audi lineup. Longer and wider than its immediate predecessor, the new model measures 4703mm (length), 1826mm (width) and 1427mm (height). More importantly, a 2808mm-long wheelbase offers more space in the cabin, particularly for rear passengers.

http://www.gasgoo.com/resource/editor/%E5%A5%A5%E8%BF%AAA4.jpg


Audi Q5:
At an emerging SUV market, the mid- and small- SUVs take a big market share in China. Thus Audi brings the medium SUV Q5 to China. Audi Q5, to rival BMW X3 and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK, is expected to be priced between 300,000 yuan and 500,000 yuan. The Q5 measures 4630mm x 1880mm x 1650mm. As the sportiest SUV, the new Audi Q5 is more dynamic than other cars in its category.
A strong and efficient 2.0 FSI engine can accelerate to 100 km/h within 7.2 seconds. The top speed reaches 222km/h. The Q5 lineup is available in both diesel and V6 engines.

http://www.gasgoo.com/resource/editor/audi-q5-3.jpg
source: Gasgoo.com

those 3 cars are BEAUTIFUL!
audi has now best designs! better than bmw and lexus!

Audi celebrates 20 years in China.
June 09, 2008 - Audi celebrated the 20th anniversary of its partnership with First Automobile Works (FAW) in Changchun on June 6 and laid the cornerstone for a new assembly hall. The company also announced the local production of the Audi Q5 at the Changchun plant.

Highlights:
-Cornerstone laid for new assembly hall in Changchun
-Local production of the Audi Q5 in China announced

"We hope to deliver up to 200,000 vehicles per year to customers in China by 2015. The new assembly hall is an important milestone toward achieving this goal," says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG during the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the joint venture between FAW and Audi in Changchun. Xu Jianyi, President of FAW, adds: "We need the additional capacity to keep up with the rising demand for the Audi A6L and A4 models."

Since 1988, Audi has delivered more than 570,000 automobiles to Chinese customers. Today the brand with the four rings is the market leader in the local premium segment, selling more than 100,000 automobiles in the People's Republic for the first time in 2007. Besides expanding its production capacity, Audi also plans to expand its exclusive dealership and service center network to more than 200 locations by 2015. Currently there are 125 Audi dealerships and nine Audi service centers in 86 Chinese cities.

The Audi success story in China began with a license agreement between Audi and FAW covering the assembly of the Audi 100 from SKD/CKD kits at the FAW plant in Changchun. Besides the technology transfer required for production and planning, the agreement also included the establishment of a customer service organization and the training of roughly 500 Chinese workers. Established in 1953, First Automobile Works (FAW) is the oldest automotive group in the People’s Republic and now comprises more than 100 companies employing over 100,000 people in total.

In 1995, FAW and VOLKSWAGEN AG signed a Letter of Intent integrating the Audi production into the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture, in which Audi has since held a ten percent stake. The Audi 200 began rolling off the assembly line in 1996 and was produced with a local fabrication content of 60 percent until the summer of 1999.

The Audi A6, which Audi and FAW jointly adapted to satisfy the requests of Chinese customers, was introduced to the market in 2000. The new Audi A6L, also with an extended wheelbase, followed in mid-2005. In addition to the models produced locally, Audi also offers the Audi TT Coupé, A5, S5, Q7, A8L, S8 and R8 models in China.

Audi vehicle China sales rise 26% in May.
June 09, 2008 - German car maker Volkswagen AG said Friday its luxury and sports car division Audi AG is on track to sell one million vehicles in 2008.

Audi sold 88,200 vehicles in May, an 0.8 per cent increase compared with May a year ago, Volkswagen said. Sales in the month were up 26 per cent in China, the largest foreign market for Audi.

In the first five months of the year, the company said it sold 426,000 Audi vehicles, an increase of 1.5 per cent driven mainly by growth in the Asian-Pacific region and eastern European countries.

"We have set a sales target of one million vehicles for 2008, expecting strong year-on-year growth in the second half of the year," Audi chairman Rupert Stadler said. "With the sales figures for the first five months, we are already ahead of schedule."

May sales in the Asia-Pacific grew by more than 22 per cent to 12,600 vehicles, compared with 10,312 sold during May a year ago. Sales in the month were up 26 per cent in China, the largest foreign market for Ingolstadt-based Audi.

In the first five months, sales in the Asia-Pacific region grew more than 20 per cent to approximately 65,000 vehicles, compared with 53,879 in 2007.

May sales in eastern Europe increased nearly nine per cent to 3,550 vehicles. In the January-May period, the company sold more than 18,300 vehicles there, a 13.5 per cent increase.

Audi shares fell 1.3 per cent to 557.80 euros (US$862.28), while Volkswagen shares slipped 0.8 per cent to 171.26 euros ($264.74) in Frankfurt.

Sources: The Canadian Press and Auto Spectator

SHANGHAI, June 12 (Reuters) - Volkswagen's VOWG.DE car venture in northeast China plans to add a new Audi assembly line capable of producing as many as 140,000 units per year, a company spokeswoman said on Thursday.

The assembly line, with a total investment of 1 billion yuan ($145 million), is scheduled to start operation in the second half of next year making Audi A4 and Q6 models, the spokeswoman said.

Current Audi capacity at the venture with China's FAW Group is 100,000 units, she said.

Sales of the Volkswagen premium brand in China rose about 25 percent to 101,996 vehicles in 2007.

($1=6.917 Yuan)

(Reporting by Fang Yan; Editing by Edmund Klamann)

((yan.fang@reuters.com; Reuters Messaging: yan.fang.reuters.com@reuters.net; +86 21 6104 1793)) Keywords: AUDI/CHINA
Sources: Story ID to drag to Reuters Messaging: nSHA346701

Q6 should be the upcoming Q5... ;)

wow that is alot of cars effected

China sales of Audi up 23% to 60,509 units in H1.

July 4, 2008 - Audi, Volkswagen's premium brand division, sold a record 60,509 luxury cars in China in first half of 2008, up 23% from one year earlier, Reuters reported today. The German carmaker plans to boost its capacity in its joint venture in the country to meet local customers' rising demand for its high-end models.

China sales of the German-produced long-wheelbase version of the Audi A6 rose by 18% to 42,969 units and the Chinese-made Audi A4 posted a 20% rise to 10,819 units. Growth rates in the Chinese market for larger, more luxurious Audi models have become even more robust.

The Audi A8 sedan and Q7 full-size SUV (sport utility vehicle), both sold in China as imported Audi cars, saw demand surge. A total of 2,431 units of the Audi A8 were sold in China, 50% more than the previous period, while the Audi Q7 sales rose 90% in the six-month period to 2,663 units.

"We are extremely satisfied with the positive development in our second home market (China) and will continue to enlarge our production capacity," Audi Chief Executive Rupert Stadler said in a statement on Friday.

Volkswagen's car venture with China's FAW Group plans to add a new Audi assembly line with an annual capacity of 140,000 units. The facility will start operation by late 2009 making Audi A4 and Q6 models. Current Audi capacity at the venture is 100,000 units.

Sales of the Volkswagen premium brand in China rose about 25% year on year to 101,996 vehicles in 2007.

source: Gasgoo.com

FAW-VW confirms Bora Classic is still produced

October 8, 2008 - China's auto giant FAW-VW said it will not cease production of Bora Classic recently, Chongqing Commercial Daily said yesterday.

Rumor has it that Bora Classic production has been halted to make way for the upcoming New Bora when FAW-VW showcased its New Bora and Olympic models lineup at the Chengdu auto show last month. FAW-VW denied this saying and stated that the company will not cease production of Bora Classic.

According to a FAW-VW executive, FAW-VW will not rashly halt production of a model which still has the market demand. He said the Bora Classic is still under production.

Since it was launched in December, 2001, the Bora, known for "drivers' favorite," has appealed to numerous young consumers thanks to its burly design, excellent performance, powerstrain, safety and conformability. Its average monthly sales of up to 6,000 have proved that Bora Classic still has a considerable market share in China.

Analysts said there is no reason for Bora Classic's production halt as it keeps stable sales. Bora, as a successfully positioned model, will see FAW-VW’s strategy in the segment market with New Bora going on sale.

source: Gasgoo.com

Audi will bring small cars to China

October 8, 2008 - A top executive of Audi AG, Volkswagen AG's luxury-car brand, disclosed at the ongoing 2008 Paris Motor Show that the German automaker has plans to introduce the Audi A1-like small cars to China following the model’s European sale.

Audi unveiled a new compact five-door hybrid Audi A1 Sportback concept along with the S4 and an eco-A4 capable of 58.9mpg at the event. Chief Executive Officer Rupert Stadler told reporters that he is confident the A1 car will make a success in Europe, the only market where it will primarily target.

The A1 is a hybrid with a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine with 148bhp backed up by a 27bhp electric motor that chips in with an extra 111lb ft of torque when the car accelerates. That means performance figures of 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds, a 124mph top speed, with consumption figures of 72.4mpg and emissions of 92g/km of CO2.

Stadler said the A1-like fuel efficient small cars are bound for the Chinese market, but he acknowledged the automaker will not develop a model particularly for the Chinese market as some others do.

He also confirmed the long-awaited Audi Q5 model, a premium car which made its global debut at the 2008 Beijing auto show this April, will be built in China at VW's the Changchun plant in early 2010.

Audi car sales worldwide jumped 12% to 95,137 units in September compared with 84,716 a year earlier, the Ingolstadt, a Germany-based company, said recently. In China Audi sales rose 24% to 11,169 vehicles last month.

source: Gasgoo.com

"Audi will bring small cars to China"

Means this as imported cars or produced cars...!?

Audi's are like mid level luxury car for me, great body design and value...

AUDI AG establishes fully-owned subsidiary in China

Apr 29, 2009 - AUDI AG established Audi (China) Enterprise Management Co. Ltd., Beijing, on April 18, 2009. Its business purpose is to coordinate all Audi activities in China, in close cooperation with the Changchun-based joint venture FAW-VW. The new company’s activities will include operating a test center for infotainment systems in Beijing.

“The establishment of the new company represents another milepost in the success story of AUDI AG in China and gives us greater proximity to our second home market,” remarked Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG.

Qin Huanming, Vice President of the FAW Automotive Group, declared: “We welcome AUDI AG’s presence in China. This move will significantly improve the lines of communication between Ingolstadt and China and facilitate even closer cooperation with our joint venture partner.”

The company will be headed by Dietmar Voggenreiter, who has already been steering AUDI AG’s operations in China from Ingolstadt for more than two years.

Audi (China) Enterprise Management Co. Ltd. will work in close partnership with the FAW-VW Audi Sales Division in Changchun, the responsibilities of which are unaffected by the establishment of the Beijing representation.

Johannes Thammer, Managing Director of the Audi Sales Division, will remain in charge of Sales of both locally-built and imported Audi models.

Audi entered the Chinese market in 1988 and sold some 120,000 vehicles there last year. To handle increasing demand, the cornerstone was laid last year for an additional assembly hall. Production of the Audi Q5 is scheduled to begin there from the end of 2009.

http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do;jsessionid=44C50576B8A2BC805B7D08CE F1386770?id=1337

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Audi Sells One Millionth Vehicle in China

Audi reached a new milestone on Wednesday with the sale of its one millionth vehicle in China. The car was a metallic blue Q5 crossover, which was handed over to a customer from Changchun. The German company said of the 1 million cars delivered to Chinese customers, 950,000 were produced in Changchun and the other 50,000 imported.

"This record is yet another milestone in the history of Audi in China," remarked Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG. "We were the first premium brand in China 22 years ago and have been the unrivaled market leader in this segment ever since – a success story we're extremely proud of."

As demand in China for luxury cars continues to boom, Audi believes it can reach the next million there by 2014.

"Over the entire year, we will deliver well over 200,000 cars to customers in China," stated Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, President of Audi China. "And we have already set our sights firmly on the next sales target: We intend to reach the second million within the next three years."

The history of the brand from Ingolstadt in China began in 1988 with a license agreement between Audi and FAW covering the assembly of the Audi 100 with imported parts kits. In 1995, the VW Group and FAW formed a new joint venture resulting in the local production of the Audi 200 a year later. In Changchun today, the company with the four-rings produces the long-wheelbase A6L and A4L and, since 2009, the Q5 for the Chinese market.

http://www.bitauto.com/zhuanti/xiaoliang/audi100celebrate/
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/10/audi-sells-one-millionth-vehicle-in.html