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Audi Overtakes Mercedes-Benz In Sales For First Time

 
9 4,536 views Apr 9, 2010
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For the first time in history, Audi has surpassed Mercedes-Benz in sales. The Ingolstadt-based automaker managed to move 264,100 units for the first three months of the year, versus 248,500 units sold by Mercedes-Benz.

The strong sales result was a new record for Audi, which experienced sales 25.9 percent higher in the quarter compared with the same period a year ago.

While Mercedes-Benz may continue to dominate here in the U.S., Audi has a strong lead in the Chinese market where the automaker sold 51,449 units for the first three months of the year, which was more than double the tally of Mercedes-Benz, which stood at just 24,100 units.

It looks like Audi is definitely on its way to become the world’s top luxury automaker by 2015, at which point Audi is hoping to be selling up to 1.5 million vehicles per year.

[Automotive News, sub req’d]





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Comments (9)

  1. By Marlo Posted: 4/9/2010 8:08am PDT

    I've always enjoyed their vehicles yet, when Audi proves to the greater U.S. they make great cars that goal will be reached. Hopefully when they attain that level of success they maintain it much like Porsche or Bentley; brands regarded as a go to quality buy. My gripe is listen to the needs of 'drivers', people that create brand loyalty, offer manuals across the range and easier factory customization options. Oh and make the next gen RS5 engine a 4.0T twin turbo V8.
     
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  2. By NC2000 Posted: 4/9/2010 9:15am PDT

    I agree. Audi, like VW, designs some of the best automobiles in the world. No competitor can touch them in interior design, except maybe in color choices. But, they do not provide a complete, proper line to the USA market. Too few models with manual transmissions, way too much chrome, too few true sports sedans and too many SUVs and convertibles. Audi, we want the good stuff to.
     
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  3. By bepsf Posted: 4/9/2010 9:53am PDT

    With the quality issues and brand dilution that Mercedes have created for themselves, this was bound to happen eventually.
    Congrats Audi!
     
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  4. By R2Dad Posted: 4/9/2010 10:21am PDT

    That 50% growth in 5 years is balanced on the back of the Chinese market--it will never happen. Yes, that market will grow 50% over the next 5 years but I wonder if Audi will be "Googlized" That, or those Audi personnel who are Chinese will "borrow" the technology/plans/prints and walk across the street to a Chinese competitor. A blowout 5 year plan for Audi in China is an invitation for unwanted attention from party officials.
     
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  5. By Tony Posted: 4/9/2010 2:46pm PDT

    Two things I reckon happened -- first, Mercedes's decade of cars with poor quality control and reliability shattered their image of durability and dependability, the main reasons they were bought blindly worldwide for decades. They have lost deep-seated loyalties through that, which will never return. Second, Mercedes cars have lost that dignified look -- in trying to run after a "younger" market, their designs went all over the place. If you're spending that little more (in some countries) or that much money on a car, you don't want a car which you or everyone else finds either odd, offensive, or ugly. Audi's designs have always been pleasant, well-proportioned, almost timeless. Not a passing fad. I suppose the design that lingers therefore also serves as advertising.
     
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  6. By archknight Posted: 4/9/2010 3:22pm PDT

    Audi has become a favorite for many people all over the world because it balances both style and performance, along with impressive quality. It's only a matter of time before they in a tug-of-war with BMW. The only problem I've seen with Audi, as someone else mentioned, is their lack of models and interior/exterior color combinations. If you look at their Euro brochure half the models have color combinations never seen before stateside. To truly pull in the rest of those buyers, Audi America shouldn't limit any possibilities, especially on models that sell in excess like the A4, A5, and A6. Audi does seem to listen more to it's customers and that maybe why they have become so successful with their sells lately.
     
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  7. By george Posted: 4/9/2010 11:47pm PDT

    I actually wish that Audi wouldnt overtake MB or BMW in regards to sales here in the States. I like the fact that Audi isnt seen every 5 minutes on the road unlike the other two premiums.
     
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  8. By Mr. D Posted: 4/13/2010 2:39pm PDT

    Choices. Sometimes Audi has a tin ear too. When will we see a A-3 TDI Quattro. That is the only way that Audi should have offered this vehicle stateside at its current price. As is you would be smarter to invest the money in the VW Golf TDI, which is the same car under the skin. We should be getting a TT TDI with Quattro too stateside.
     
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  9. By JoBlo Posted: 4/16/2010 3:49pm PDT

    The only option that make sense is leasing Audi or Mercedes. It's more expensive but I prefer to have a bigger payment at the end of the month than a expensive repair bill.
    Those cars after 4 years are very expensive to keep on the road. When I see older Audis I'm always thinking this guy must be rich.
     
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