Global Sales July 2009

[Bartek S.]

Audi Global Sales Increase 2.1 Percent in July

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]• Record month for Audi in China[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]• Growth in key Asian and European markets[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]• Audi is the most successful premium brand in Western Europe[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]• Rising market share in the United States[/FONT]

AUDI AG sold 2.1 percent more vehicles worldwide last month than in July 2008. Some 85,000 customers opted for a new Audi (2008: 83,210). From January through July, the company sold approximately 551,000 vehicles – 8.1 percent less than one year earlier (2008: 599,429). As the market's leading premium brand, Audi benefited from growth in China to reach a new monthly sales record there. In the United States and Western Europe, Audi’s sales progressed better than those of its competitors.

“In recent months we’ve bolstered our brand worldwide by investing wisely; and with our sales success in July we further increased the pressure on the competition” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG. “Our financial data show that we are not only achieving impressive sales figures, but that our business is above all profitable; our encouraging development is long-lasting.” For the first six months of 2009, the Audi Group had just reported an operating profit of 823 million euros.

The greatest total increase in sales last month was reached by Audi in its second home market. Sales figures in China (including Hong Kong) grew by 42.5 percent in July over one year earlier to 13,399 vehicles (2008: 9,403); with 80,265 vehicles sold in China during the first seven months of 2009, year-on-year growth amounted to 14.8 percent (2008: 69,912). In the Asia-Pacific region as a whole, Audi sold around 102,500 premium vehicles from January through July (+12.7 percent; 2008: 90,924). In July alone, the brand registered a year-on-year increase of 37.1 percent (some 16,500 vehicles; 2008: 12,037). To this result, the brand’s rising sales figures in other key regional markets contributed. Growth in Australia, for example, amounted to 26.1 percent (943 vehicles; 2008: 748); in Japan, Audi registered a 7.5 percent increase (1,040 vehicles; 2008: 967), and in South Korea sales rose by 28.4 percent (565 vehicles; 2008: 440).

In its home country of Germany, AUDI AG exceeded its July 2008 figures by 0.3 percent with 23,404 vehicles sold (2008: 23,341). With 137,286 deliveries, sales figures were 5.8 percent lower over the first seven months than a year ago (2008: 145,745).
In Western Europe as a whole, Audi sold some 55,400 vehicles in July (2008: 56,785) – a decline of 2.4 percent. With this result, AUDI AG was able to further consolidate its position in the market. With approximately 357,150 vehicles sold in the region in the first seven months of 2009 (-10.9 percent; 2008: 400,922), Audi confirmed its status as Western Europe’s leading premium brand. Key growth markets in the region last month were Belgium, where 2,825 customers chose an Audi vehicle (+32.4 percent; 2008: 2,133), Austria, with 1,784 vehicles sold (+33.4 percent; 2008: 1,337), Switzerland, with 1,441 units (+6.3 percent; 2008: 1,355), and Sweden – where Audi sold 1,118 vehicles (+15.4 percent; 2008: 969).

Audi of America sold 6,407 vehicles in the United States, a year-on-year decrease of 5.8 percent (2008: 6,804) – thereby narrowing the gap versus 2008 to minus 14.6 percent for the first seven months (44,252 vehicles; 2008: 51,827). In a premium market still deep in recession, Audi posted the strongest growth among its German competitors and increased its U.S. market share by 1.4 percentage points in July to 7.6 percent. July sales were encouraging elsewhere in North America as well. Figures rose in Mexico by 13.5 percent (564 vehicles); in Canada, the brand registered year-on-year growth of 40.3 percent in July by selling 822 vehicles (2008: 586).

 

[Bartek S.]

BMW Group with 109,923 deliver...

Press Release

MINI sales increase for first time since September 2008

Munich. The BMW Group’s sales were once again impacted by weak economic conditions on the international markets – as was the entire automobile industry. In the past month the company delivered 109,923 (prev.yr. 125,792 / -12.6%) BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand automobiles worldwide. As such, the decrease in sales volumes was again slightly lower than in previous months. From January to the end of July, 725,377 (prev.yr. 890,662 / -18.6%) vehicles were delivered to customers.

The MINI brand achieved a slight increase in sales of 0.3% for the first time since September 2008, with 19,281 (prev.yr. 19,224) deliveries worldwide in July. The new MINI Convertible (3,695 units / +48.5%), which has been available since late March, and the MINI One models (available as Hatch and Clubman, with sales of 3,670 vehicles / + 78.4%) in particular contributed to the gains. In Germany the brand reported its best July sales ever (3,207/ +16.1%), while in its domestic U.K. market (2,819 / +20.7%) and in traditionally high-volume Western European markets such as Italy (1,700 / +20.2%) and France (1,521 / +3.1%), MINI also made major gains in July. For the year to the end of July, 120,813 MINI cars were sold (prev.yr. 146,040 / -17.3%).

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing: “Our sales performance again improved slightly in July – and MINI was even back on its growth path. Over the course of the next months we will see BMW Group sales continue their gradual upward trend – not least as a result of several new models. I am confident we will continue to expand our market position in the premium segment for 2009 as a whole and be able to maintain our position as leading premium manufacturer.”

Although BMW brand deliveries were down 14.9% (90,597 / prev.yr. 106,466) in the month under review, several model series were able to make strong gains in July. For instance, sales of the BMW 7 Series climbed 57.9% to reach a total of 4,631 (prev.yr. 2,933) units. In its domestic market of Germany the 7 Series remains the clear market leader in the luxury limousine segment with 660 new registrations (prev.yr. 322 / +105.0%). The new BMW Z4 (3,293 units / +123.4%) launched in May and the BMW X6 (3,714 units / +42.1%) received an excellent response worldwide in July. Over the coming months the launch of a number of new models will give sales a further boost. For instance, a four-wheel drive version of the BMW 7 Series will be released for the first time in the autumn. Autumn will also see the X1 and the 5 Series Gran Turismo enter the market, where each will create new segments. M versions of the BMW X5 and BMW X6 will also join the BMW model range in the summer. For the year to the end of July, a total of 604,190 (prev.yr. 744,025 / -18.8%) BMW automobiles were sold.

The BMW Group’s sales again performed extremely well in the emerging markets of China, India and Brazil in July. In China the company delivered 38.9% more vehicles (7,623 / prev.yr. 5,489) in the month under review; India made gains of 30.5% to reach a total of 261 deliveries (prev.yr. 200); in Brazil customer deliveries climbed 168.6% in July to 607 vehicles (prev.yr.: 226). The BMW Group also reported gains in France (6,521 / +5.0%), Switzerland (1,954 / +4.1%), Austria (1,459 / +7.8%), Canada (2,840 / +7.6%), Australia (1,547 / +17.3%), the markets of the Middle East (1,190 / +1.4%) and South Korea (1,000 / +27.1%).

The Rolls Royce brand reported a decline in sales of 55.9% (45 units / prev.yr.: 102) in July. For the year to the end of July 374 vehicles were delivered to customers around the world (prev. 597 / -37.4%).

Difficult conditions on the global markets continued to impact motorcycle sales in July. In the month under review the BMW Group sold 9,604 (prev.yr. 10,679) motorcycles: a decline of 10.1%. For the year to the end of July, 56,578 (prev.yr. 66,612 / -15.1%) units were delivered to customers. The BMW Group is also expanding its model range in the motorcycles segment. The new F 800 R has been available for delivery since May, and the road version of the S 1000 RR racing machine will come onto the market towards the end of the year.

BMW Group sales in/up to July 2009 at a glance
In July 2009 Comp. to previous year Up to and incl. July 2009 Comp. to previous year
BMW Group Automobiles 109,923 -12.6% 725,377 -18.6%
BMW 90,597 -14.9% 604,190 -18.8%
MINI 19,281 +0.3% 120,813 -17.3%
Rolls-Royce 45 -55.9% 374 -37.4%
BMW Motorcycles 9,604 -10.1% 56,578 -15.1%

 

[Bartek S.]

Mercedes-Benz Cars Sells 93,900 Passenger Vehicles in July – New E-Class Successfully

• More than 40,000 E-Class vehicles delivered to customers, sedan takes the lead worldwide in its segment in July
• Sales at Mercedes-Benz Cars stabilize in Germany and other key Western European markets
• Another sales record in China

Stuttgart, Germany, August 7, 2009
In July, Mercedes-Benz Cars sold 93,900 Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart, and Maybach brand vehicles worldwide (July 2008: 105,100; minus 11 percent).
The Mercedes-Benz brand delivered a total of 83,500 vehicles to customers in July (July 2008: 92,700; minus ten percent). As a result, Mercedes-Benz Cars was able to improve sales compared to the first few months of the year, despite the fact that the market environment remains challenging. Factors that contributed to this development were the stabilization of sales in Germany and other key Western European markets, the positive development in China, and the launch of the new E-Class.

“The new E-Class has gotten off to a resounding start, and we have delivered more than 40,000 units to customers since the market launch in spring,” says Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The sedan once again defended its market leadership worldwide in July. The new coupe is also very popular with customers. The full availability of the E-Class sedan and coupe and the introduction of the station wagon and new-generation S-Class will help to further stabilize sales in the next few months.” Positive sales momentum will also be provided by the introduction of new, highly efficient and high-volume engine variants, such as for the C-Class.

Mercedes-Benz Cars sold 26,900 vehicles in Germany in July, nearly matching the level reached last year (July 2008: 27,900). Mercedes-Benz once again defended its leadership in the premium segment of its home market in July. In addition to the new E-Class, positive sales development was recorded by the A-Class and B-Class segment in July, with sales increasing by eight percent to 9,600 units (July 2008: 9,000). Sales of the smart fortwo on the German home market were also up, with deliveries of the two-seater having increased by seven percent to 19,700 units since the beginning of the year (January-July 2008: 18,400). During the year to date, customers have purchased 71,500 smart fortwos worldwide (January-July 2008: 81,200; minus 12 percent). In Western Europe,

Mercedes-Benz Cars succeeded in increasing deliveries amongst others in the UK by six percent in July, to 5,500 vehicles (July 2008: 5,200). In addition to the boost from the new E-Class, sales growth also was bolstered by the A-Class, B-Class, and smart fortwo.

Mercedes-Benz Cars continues to grow rapidly in China, posting another sales record in July. The sale of 5,000 vehicles corresponds to an increase of 35 percent (July 2008: 3,700). The division has seen sales rise in China by 40 percent to 33,200 units since the beginning of the year (January-July 2008: 23,800). Mercedes-Benz continues to be the fastest-growing premium brand in China since the beginning of the year. The C-Class is particularly popular in China, where 8,900 customers have purchased the sedan version since the beginning of the year. Sales have therefore doubled compared to the same period last year. Sales of the GLK also have been very positive, with deliveries of 2,100 vehicles. The B-Class has met with a great response since its January launch. At 1,800 units, sales already exceed the volume originally planned for the year. The smart fortwo is also very popular in China, where it was launched in April. A total of 900 units of the two-seater can now be found on the streets of Chinese cities. On July 21, Mercedes-Benz also presented the new E-Class sedan in China. Over the coming months, the vehicle will generate additional sales momentum on the Chinese market.

Overview of Sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars

July 2009 % change Jan-July 2009 % change
Mercedes-Benz 83,500 -10.0 566,600 -18.1
smart* 10,400 -15.9 71,500 -12.0


Mercedes-Benz Cars 93,900 -10.7 638,100 -17.5

Westeuropa 56,500 -6.3 379,200 -17.2
davon Deutschland 26,900 -3.4 174,600 -11.2
NAFTA 20,300 -22.6 129,700 -24.7
davon USA 17,600 -24.2 111,300 -27.7
Asien/Pazifik 11,500 -0.9 85,300 -4.2
davon Japan 1,900 -28.6 15,500 -32.6
davon China (inkl. Hongkong) 5,000 +34.9 33,200 +39.5

* smart brand sales include the smart roadster and smart forfour

 

[EnI]

BMW: 90,597 (-14.9%) ... YTD 604,190 (-18.8%)
MINI: 19,281 (+0.3%) ... YTD 120,813 (-17.3%)
Rolls-Royce: 45 (-55.9%) ... YTD 374 (-37.4%)
BMW Group Automobiles: 109,923 (-12.6%) ... YTD 725,377 (-18.6%)


Audi: 85,000 (+2.1%) ... YTD 551,000 (–8.1%)


Mercedes-Benz: 83,500 (-10.0%) ... YTD 566,600 (-18.1%)
smart: 10,400 (-15.9%) ... YTD 71,500 (-12.0%)
Mercedes-Benz Cars: 93,900 (-10.7%) ... YTD 638,100 (-17.5%)

 

[LaArtist]

^um
Audi +2.1
MB -10
BMW -14.9

 

[far2000]

BMW: 90,597 (-14.9%) ... YTD 604,190 (-18.8%)
MINI: 19,281 (+0.3%) ... YTD 120,813 (-17.3%)
Rolls-Royce: 45 (-55.9%) ... YTD 374 (-37.4%)
BMW Group Automobiles: 109,923 (-12.6%) ... YTD 725,377 (-18.6%)


Audi: 85,000 (+2.1%) ... YTD 551,000 (–8.1%)


Mercedes-Benz: 83,500 (-10.0%) ... YTD 566,600 (-18.1%)
smart: 10,400 (-15.9%) ... YTD 71,500 (-12.0%)
Mercedes-Benz Cars: 93,900 (-10.7%) ... YTD 638,100 (-17.5%)

so there goes AUDI On its way 2 being Number 2 Luxury Sale Auto Manufacturer...I wonder if they can squeeze Bmw before the end of the year...

 

[Centurion]

so there goes AUDI On its way 2 being Number 2 Luxury Sale Auto Manufacturer...I wonder if they can squeeze Bmw before the end of the year...

Volume doesn't necessarily make you number one. Mercedes have the GL, G-Class, SL, CL which all goes up to 200k for the top of the line engine options. Luxury is not about volume alone.

 

[Potential]

^um
Audi +2.1
MB -10
BMW -14.9

EnIs numbers look right to me don't know where you found your numbers?

 

[coolraoul]

Artist's are month sales, EnI gave the Year-To-Date too, with monthly sales into ().

So both are right, and Artist's month numbers match EnI's month numbers.

 

[EnI]

so there goes AUDI On its way 2 being Number 2 Luxury Sale Auto Manufacturer...I wonder if they can squeeze Bmw before the end of the year...

Mind Audi officials said 1st half of 2009 had been all roses for the company (financially & sales wise), and that they are expecting much worse results in the 2nd half.

Also: BMW X1 is coming, and X3 next year, and the new 5er ... very big sellers for BMW. So, no - not this year. Perhaps later in 2010, or even more possible in 2011 when 3er sales will start to decline due to Mk change, and Audi will launch A1 & the new A6.

Audi will definitely surpass MB soon - and probably BMW as well at some point since small cars A1, small SUV Q3 and perhaps Q1 as well are all going to be branded as Audi. While BMW & MB have separate brands for small cars: MINI & smart.

Although Audi & VAG are determined to trash bot German rivals, and become #1 premium brand in the world. That's their obsession - just like BMW had a goal to surpass MB. And I'm sure Audi will succeed at sometime - and sell more cars than MB & BMW. Again.

But what then? What's the strategy for the being #1? It's easier to become #1 than to retain the top position.

Audi's biggest advantage is Chinese market - where locally produced A6L is selling big to fleet customers (especially to the state & local administrations, organizations and companies). They even made a special A4L version for the Chinese market exclusively - since there was a demand for such cars (by fleet buyers, of course). Others like MB & BMW has to follow to be competitive: therefore LWB 5er & LWB E-class are present there. And many other companies are following that path as well. I don't know whether LWB 3er & C-class will be produced - I hope not. Since it's an overkill.

And yes, Audi did a quantum leap in the last years - taking advantage of BMW design experiments, and lower quality - same case for MB.

But right now MB & BMW have improved the (impression of) quality, an in the next years Audi won't be so special any more in this respect. Therefore MB & BMW will be competitive again.

Audi did a lot with associating the brand with timeless & elegant style. But now the times are changing. The new upcoming designs from Audi are far less pure & stylish than the current ones ...

And especially in Europe Audi is popular due offering a variety of FWD vehicles - which are considered to be "easier & safer to drive" than RWD cars. It's a prejudice, of course -but many people still have raw BMWs & MBs from 70s & 80s in their minds. Not to mention the cars like A4 & A6 are more spacious than the rivals. And offer much better low-end (entry) models than BMW & MB do - engine wise. Not to mention a huge popularity of Audi Avant models in Europe - where A4 Avant & A6 Avant are selling much better than BMW & MB wagons.

And Audi also invested a lot of into fleet markets: and are selling much more cars to fleet buyers than MB & BMW (protocol services, hotels, companies, taxi companies etc) ...

 

[Potential]

Volume doesn't necessarily make you number one. Mercedes have the GL, G-Class, SL, CL which all goes up to 200k for the top of the line engine options. Luxury is not about volume alone.

So luxury is about the price you charge for your vehicles then?

 

[Centurion]

So luxury is about the price you charge for your vehicles then?

No. It's about prestigious and innovation products offered.

 

[coolraoul]

Luxury nowadays is a matter of how the brand is perceived.

 

[far2000]

Volume doesn't necessarily make you number one. Mercedes have the GL, G-Class, SL, CL which all goes up to 200k for the top of the line engine options. Luxury is not about volume alone.

BMW, AUDI AND MERC are Luxury Premium Brands. What about the Audi Model Range? They Have the R8,TT, Q7, A8, A6, A5, RS Division, Does this not make them a Luxury Brand?