The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro |  |
- The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro
- The new Audi SQ5 TDI
- Audi updates the Q5 SUV
- Tony Gilham takes Round 8 of the APR Volkswagen Racing Cup at Spa
- Audi boosts deliveries by 12.3 percent in the first half of 2012
| Posted: 10 Jul 2012 11:09 AM PDT The sporty Audi Q5 hybrid quattro is the first full hybrid in the mid-class premium segment to offer a lithium-ion battery as standard. Conceptualized as a parallel hybrid, it combines the driving performance of a six-cylinder engine with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. A 2.0 TFSI developing 155 kW (211 hp) and an electric motor with an output of up to 40 kW (54 hp) and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft) of torque handle drive propulsion together; their system power is 180 kW (245 hp) and system torque is 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.1 seconds and has a top speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). When driven at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph) it can cover up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) in pure electric mode. Its top speed in electric mode is 100 km/h (62.14 mph). Combined fuel consumption is just 6.9 liters per 100 km (34.09 US mpg) on average, equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 159 grams per km (255.89 g/mile). The hybrid SUV from Audi can be powered entirely by the internal combustion engine, entirely by the electric drive or in hybrid mode; it is also capable of energy recovery and can utilize boosting. The driver can select one of three programs: the EV characteristic map gives priority to electric driving, the D program controls the two drives for optimal efficiency, while the S mode is configured for a sporty style of driving. A highly modified eight-speed tiptronic transfers power to the drivetrain without requiring a torque converter. Its mounting space is occupied by a disc-shaped electric motor that is combined with a multiplate clutch. It engages or disengages the electric motor and the TFSI, operating smoothly, rapidly and with high precision in all situations. Electrical energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery system weighing just 36.7 kg (80.91 lb); the compact battery is located under the cargo floor and does not reduce the vehicle’s usable cargo space at all. The battery consists of 72 cells, and it supplies 1.3 kWh of nominal energy and 39 kW of power. Depending on loads, it can be cooled in two different ways – by air from the passenger compartment or by a coolant circuit coupled to the main automatic air conditioning system. The hybrid’s compact and lightweight power electronics, which is water cooled like the electric motor, converts direct current from the battery into alternating current. The power electronics integrates a DC/DC converter, which connects electrical consumers in the 12-Volt electrical system to the high-voltage network. All key components in this network are electrically isolated, i.e. they have no electrical connections to the rest of the vehicle. If the belt tensioners or airbags trigger, the high-voltage system is automatically switched to a de-energized state. In contrast to the other Q5 models, the Q5 hybrid quattro exhibits slightly different dimensions in height, track width and wheelbase. Visually, this model can be recognized by hybrid badges, 19-inch wheels in 10-arm turbine design and door sill trims with hybrid badges. The bumpers are fully painted, and the exclusive exterior color Polar Silver, metallic is offered. The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro implements a display concept that clearly shows the driving states of the hybrid drive. A powermeter replaces the tachometer in the instrument cluster; its needle indicates total system power on a scale from zero to 100 in percent. A second scale is subdivided into color segments – its green and orange colored segments indicate how the Q5 hybrid quattro is currently being powered. An auxiliary instrument visualizes the charge state of the battery. In parallel, the color display of the driver information system and the monitor of the MMI navigation plus unit – which is also standard – depict power flows and operating states of the hybrid system in elegant graphics. The MMI monitor also shows detailed fuel economy and energy recovery statistics. The suspension underscores the sporty character of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro. It lowers the ride height by 25 mm (0.98 in); 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, and 20-inch wheels can be ordered as an option. Large brakes ensure powerful braking, and the brake servo unit is supplied by an electric vacuum pump. A complex control strategy adapts braking processes to the specific conditions of electric driving and energy recovery. The air conditioning compressor has a high-voltage electric drive; an electric auxiliary heater completes the interior heating system. Altogether, components specific to the hybrid system account for less than 130 kg (286.60 lb) of added weight. The curb weight of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro without driver is 1,910 kg (4210.83 lb) – despite extensive features that also include the Audi Sound System and rear bench seat plus. This model’s basic price is 53,900 euros. The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.                                                       Related posts: You're reading The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.
         | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 10 Jul 2012 10:07 AM PDT The Audi SQ5 TDI, which will appear on streets in late summer at a price of 58,500 euros, is the new top model of the Q5 model series and is also the first S model with a diesel engine in the history of Audi. The 3.0 TDI, charged by two turbochargers, produces no less than 230 kW (313 hp) in power and delivers an impressive 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) of torque between 1,450 and 2,800 rpm. The V6 diesel, which generates power from 2,967 cc displacement, is designed as a twin-turbo unit; a flap joins the two turbochargers arranged in series. The cooling of the cylinder heads, control times and strokes of the intake camshafts, the pistons, their spray oil cooling and the piston rods have been adapted to the high-performance concept. The common rail system builds a pressure of up to 2,000 bar and can execute up to eight partial injections into the cylinders. A sound actuator in the exhaust system gives the twin-turbo-V6 a deep sonorous sound. The Audi SQ5 TDI handles the sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.1 seconds, and its top speed is 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Its combined fuel consumption is only 7.2 liters per 100 km (32.67 US mpg) on average – a value that is also enabled by contributions from the thermal management, energy recovery and start-stop systems as well as the regulated oil pump. An eight-speed tiptronic that shifts quickly and smoothly and the quattro permanent four-wheel drive transfer the engine’s power to the road. The stiff S sport suspension lowers the body by 30 mm (1.18 in), and size 255/45 tires are mounted to the 20-inch wheels in five parallel spoke design. Audi can also deliver 21-inch diameter wheels and size 255/40 tires as an option. The black brake calipers on the front wheels are decorated with S badges. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard. Among the special design details, the platinum gray single-frame radiator grille with its galvanized dual struts in aluminum look, the roof spoiler and modified bumpers are especially eye-catching. The exterior mirror housings are designed in an aluminum look; xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights are included as a standard feature, and the exhaust system dominates at the rear with four elliptical tailpipes. Audi also offers the optional crystal effect exterior colors Estoril Blue and Panther Black on the new top model. The interior is designed in black, and a silver headlining is optional. The electrically adjustable sport seats are upholstered in Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, which are available in three colors. Trim panels consist of brushed aluminum, or CFRP, piano finish black or aluminum beaufort as options. The scales of the instruments are gray, and their needles are white; the pedals and shift paddles glisten in an aluminum look. Features such as the S gear shift knob, S badges on the door sill trims, on the start button and on the specially shaped steering wheel, the S welcome screen and the light package accentuate the interior with special highlights. The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted. Related posts: You're reading The new Audi SQ5 TDI originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.
     | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 10 Jul 2012 06:00 AM PDT Sporty, attractive and versatile – the Audi Q5 performance SUV is the most successful mid-class SUV in Europe. Now it is even better – adding many new solutions in design, infotainment, assistance systems and engines. The Q5 hybrid quattro combines the power of a six-cylinder engine with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder unit, while the new SQ5 TDI showcases the dynamic potential of the model series with 230 kW (313 hp) – it is the first S model from Audi to feature a diesel engine. The sporty design of the Q5 with its flat roof arch is now appearing in a meticulously revised and sharpened form. The single-frame grille has chamfered top corners; its vertical chrome struts and Audi rings have a sculptural look. The bumpers, air inlets and front fog lights are also new. The optional xenon plus headlights have a continuous strip of LED daytime running lights around the edge, similar to the tail lights at the rear. The sporty S line exterior package and distinctive offroad styling package are options that strongly accentuate the looks of the Q5. The wrap-around tailgate – a typical design element of the Audi Q models – and the engine hood are made of aluminum. In the passenger cell, advanced form-hardened steels reduce weight; they are extremely strong and at the same time lightweight. More power, less fuel consumption: engines In revising the Audi Q5, fuel economy was improved by up to 15 percent, despite power increases for most engines. The three TDI engines and the two TFSI engines combine direct fuel injection with turbocharging, and a start-stop system is standard throughout the engine lineup. The 2.0 TDI is available in two versions. The version developing 105 kW (143 hp) has a combined fuel consumption of just 5.3 liters of diesel per 100 km (44.38 US mpg). The intensively advanced 3.0 TDI produces 180 kW (245 hp) of power and 580 Nm (427.79 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates the Q5 from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.5 seconds. Another highlight of the engine lineup is the all new two-liter TFSI. This gasoline engine introduces innovative solutions – in the control of valves and their stroke, in its innovative thermal management, turbocharger, integration of the exhaust manifold in the cylinder head and the common rail system that integrates additional fuel injection into the induction manifold. The 2.0 TFSI produces 165 kW (225 hp), yet it has a combined fuel consumption of just 7.9 liters per 100 km (29.77 US mpg) with the tiptronic transmission. Offering even more performance is the new 3.0 TFSI – this supercharged V6 increases power output to 200 kW (272 hp) with 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of torque. It completes the sprint to highway speed (62.14 mph) in 5.9 seconds. For each engine, Audi supplies a transmission that matches its output. A six-speed manual is standard for the four-cylinder engines. The sporty seven-speed S tronic is standard for the 3.0 TDI and is available as an option for the 2.0 TDI developing 130 kW (177 hp). The convenient eight-speed tiptronic is an option for the 2.0 TFSI and is standard for the 3.0 TFSI. In the four-cylinder versions, the transmissions are integrated into the engine’s thermal management system, which significantly shortens the warm-up phase. The quattro permanent four-wheel drive with torque vectoring is standard, except for the 2.0 TDI developing 105 kW (143 hp) which is factory-equipped with front-wheel drive. Advanced efficiency: electromechanical power steering The new electromechanical power steering system represents another advance in efficiency – in straight-line driving, the Q5 no longer needs any energy for steering. Audi has also tuned the springs, shock absorbers and stabilizers for an even more balanced chassis. Most engine versions are delivered with 18-inch aluminum wheels; wheels up to 20 inches in diameter and the S line sport suspension are available as options. Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) detects the composition of the road and adjusts its interventions accordingly; hill descent assist is standard. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system introduces more versatility to the performance profile of the Q5. It lets the driver control the accelerator pedal characteristic, automatic transmission shift points, amount of steering assist and operation of the automatic air conditioning over four different modes, including an efficiency mode. If an Audi navigation system is installed, the user-programmable ‘individual’ mode is added. Optional high-end components can be integrated into the Audi drive select control system as well. They include a radar-based adaptive cruise control system, chassis with damping control and dynamic steering. The latter adjusts the steering gear ratio according to vehicle speed and improves stability in sharp curves. Versatile: driver assistance systems The revised Audi Q5 also sets benchmarks in its class with its driver assistance systems. The new driver information system with rest recommendation is standard. If it detects that the driver’s concentration is waning, it recommends a break from driving. The most innovative of the optional assistance systems is the further developed adaptive cruise control. This radar-based cruise control system regulates the distance between the Q5 and the vehicle ahead; at speeds below 30 km/h (18.64 mph) it initiates hard braking if it detects an impending front-end collision. Audi active lane assist supports the driver with slight steering corrections to stay in lane, while Audi side assist monitors the space behind the vehicle, making lane changes more relaxed. Rounding out the driver assistance system lineup are three systems that make parking easier. In the infotainment area, Audi offers a broad range of units, where MMI navigation plus represents the very top unit. This large media center has been improved in many aspects, including its voice control functionality. It is ideally supplemented by the Bluetooth online car phone that offers an integrated WLAN hotspot which lets passengers surf the Web and send emails with their mobile devices. For the driver, the Bluetooth online car phone introduces services from Audi connect into the vehicle. They include such services as point of interest search with voice control and navigation with Google Earth images and Street View. Audi online traffic information shows the very latest traffic loads over the selected route on the navigation map. The smart phone app Audi Music stream lets users receive a large number of Internet radio stations and save favorites to a cell phone. The selected program is played over the audio system loudspeakers via WLAN. Wellness lounge: interior The workmanship quality of the Audi Q5 is top notch, and the interior has been further refined. Many of its controls have slender chrome rings, and the panels on the center console are styled in high-gloss black. All steering wheel versions have been redesigned. MMI navigation plus now only requires four control keys, and its volume dial has a skip function. Other changes relate to seat heating operation, the Audi drive select dynamic handling system and multifunction steering wheel. In the revised Audi Q5, customers can choose from three new interior colors and three leather and three fabric qualities; decorative inlays include three wood veneers and an aluminum version. With the S line sport package, the interior is immersed in black; sport seats and subtle trims make it even more exclusive. The Audi exclusive program and Audi exclusive line offer further attractive recommendations. The Audi Q5 exhibits great talents for everyday driving and recreation. Its long wheelbase of 2.81 meters (9.22 ft) creates ample space for five passengers. The angle of the rear seatbacks is adjustable; when they are folded down cargo capacity grows from 540 to 1,560 liters (19.07 cubic ft to 55.09 cubic ft). Options include a rail system, cargo liner, reversible floor mat, electrically powered tailgate, folding front passenger seatback and longitudinally adjustable rear bench with load-through hatch. The trailer load is up to 2.4 metric tons – that too is a top value. Assuming a special position within the model series is the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro, the first hybrid SUV in its segment with a standard lithium-ion battery. The powertrain consists of a 2.0 TFSI developing 155 kW (211 hp) and an electric motor with up to 40 kW (54 hp) of power. Together they produce 180 kW (245 hp) of system power and 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) of system torque. The two drives are installed in series and are joined via a clutch. Their power is transmitted to the quattro drivetrain via a modified eight-speed tiptronic. The lithium-ion battery located at the rear of the vehicle stores 1.3 kWh of nominal energy, and it is cooled in two different ways depending on loads. The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.1 seconds. At a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph) it can cover up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) in pure electric mode, and its peak speed in this mode is 100 km/h (62.14 mph). Combined fuel consumption is just 6.9 liters per 100 km (34.09 US mpg). The hybrid SUV can be driven with just the TFSI, just the electric drive or in hybrid mode; in addition, the powertrain features energy recovery and boosting. The driver can choose one of three programs. The EV characteristic map prioritizes the electric drive, the D program controls the two drives to optimize fuel economy, and the S level is the sport mode. Special indicators let the driver know the drive type currently being used and its efficiency potential. The new top version in the Q5 model series is the SQ5 TDI – the first S model from Audi with a diesel engine. Two turbochargers in series lend tremendous power to the 3.0 TDI; it produces 230 kW (313 hp) and a hefty 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) of torque. A sound actuator in the exhaust system gives the V6 diesel a sporty and sonorous sound. The Audi SQ5 TDI completes the sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.1 seconds, and its top speed is 250 km/h (155.35 mph) – yet its combined fuel consumption is just 7.2 liters per 100 km (32.67 US mpg). The sport suspension lowers the body by 30 mm (1.18 in), and its wheels are 20 inches in diameter. Up to 21-inch wheels are available as options. Equipment and prices Despite extensive upgrades, the Audi Q5, which arrives at dealers later this summer, is just slightly more expensive. The 2.0 TDI developing 130 kW (177 hp), for example, is only 150 euros more; its base price is 39,900 euros. The entry level price is 35,200 euros for the 2.0 TDI developing 105 kW (143 hp). The list of standard features is generous. It includes front fog lights, the high-gloss package, a roof rack, automatic air conditioning, chorus radio with 6.5-inch display, six airbags, integral head restraint system and electromechanical parking brake. The Q5 hybrid quattro also has the MMI navigation plus system, while the SQ5 TDI has xenon plus headlights and the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. Options for the Q5 come directly from the luxury class. They include adaptive light, convenience key, panoramic glass roof, three-zone automatic air conditioning and climate comfort seats with ventilation function. The S line sport package includes sport suspension and the exclusive exterior color Daytona Gray, pearl effect. The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted. Related posts: You're reading Audi updates the Q5 SUV originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.
     | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tony Gilham takes Round 8 of the APR Volkswagen Racing Cup at Spa Posted: 09 Jul 2012 05:12 PM PDT Tony Gilham, the 2007 Volkswagen Racing Cup Champion, proved that he’s lost none of his old race-winning skills by claiming victory in Saturday’s round, nipping points leader James Walker to the win by less than a second after seven hard-fought laps around Spa. Just as close and tense as Friday’s race, the Spa finale saw three different men out in front and multiple changes of the lead. Stewart Lines led the way initially in his KPM-prepared Golf, the Sutton Coldfield man out-dragging pole-sitter Peter Wyhinny’s SEAT Leon off the line to lead into La Source. Wyhinny clung to Lines’s tailgate on the opening lap but was demoted to fourth on lap two by both Walker and Gilham, who started P4 and P5 respectively. Walker and Gilham saw to Lines on lap three to establish a 1–2, with BTCC man Tony making full use of the awesome Eau Rouge to pass his rival for the lead next time around. James battled back to the front only to be passed once more by Gilham, again through Eau Rouge. Tony, who was playing his points-doubling Joker card, was 0.878s clear of his rival at the flag. “A fabulous race,” said Walker. “Great first couple of laps with everyone really battling hard. Then I managed to get away, got Stewart, who drove awesomely, and then Tony ended up coming through – I knew he would do. He’s got great pace, and I didn’t want to race him too hard because I’m thinking of the championship. He got me at Eau Rouge twice, which was a bit exciting. All in all, it’s been a great weekend.” Added Gilham: “I felt I could possibly have got the win in race one but for being held up a bit, so I wanted to finish the second race on a high. It’s good to get the win and good to be back in the championship. It was a tough race. There’s room for two through Eau Rouge, so long as you are both committed and both sensible. We got through there twice side-by-side, and that’s quite an achievement in itself.” Lines was in close attendance to collect his maiden Volkswagen Racing Cup podium finish. “I’m delighted,” said Stewart. “I’ve had such a bad year up to now. I let James and Tony through but hung on to them and, to be fair, I learned a lot from watching them.” Stewart was joined in the closing laps by race one winner Mike Neuhoff, who started from P6. “I got caught up behind the battle for fourth between Peter Wyhinny and Tom Wilson for too long,” said Golf man Mike. “By the time I had made it past them the top three were too far up the road. Another couple of laps and it might have been a different story.” Wilson’s Golf GTI battled past Wyhinny’s SEAT Leon for fifth on the third of the seven laps, the Wiltshireman collecting his sixth top-five result of the eight-race season, with Wyhinny in close attendance for another top-six finish. Seventh looked to be going in the direction of Golf GTI man Simon Andrews after the Hampshire-based disabled driver got the better of a long fight with the similar car of Richard Morgan. Alas, fuel starvation struck Simon on the final lap: “It was fine going down the hills, but going up them it started to splutter.” His seventh became ninth as Morgan and Rob Daniels in the Addison Lee Scirocco took advantage. Golf drivers Mark Howard and Philip Morris were next up, the latter savoring every moment of his maiden Spa races and profiting too, doubling his points by playing his Joker card. Jonathan Wilson scored his best result of the year with 12th in the Complete Racing Scirocco, ahead of Simon Tomlinson’s Golf. David Fairbrother was 14th after a pit stop, ahead of a limping Joe Fulbrook, whose Bora’s mechanical woes reappeared after race one; former champion Joe had been on for a good finish, too, having charged from the back to seventh on the opening lap. Race two capped a weekend to forget for Aaron Mason, the Yorkshireman succumbing to engine failure on the opening lap. He was joined in retirement by several, notably Gilham Racing men Andy Wilmot (power steering failure), Nikhil Chopra (driveshaft) and Richard Kingsnorth (lap one spin). Wilmot had been on for a top 10 finish and Chopra was 13th going into the final lap. Tony Harberman’s strong Spa run was ended after three laps with gearbox problems. The APR Volkswagen Racing Cup enjoys additional support from Ceva, ECM, Eibach, Hankook, Milltek Sport and Paragon. After a brief summer break the championship resumes at Snetterton in Norfolk on 5 August. Provisional results:APR Volkswagen Racing CupSpa-Francorchamps Round 8
- APR Volkswagen Racing Cup Related posts: You're reading Tony Gilham takes Round 8 of the APR Volkswagen Racing Cup at Spa originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.
     | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Audi boosts deliveries by 12.3 percent in the first half of 2012 Posted: 09 Jul 2012 02:43 PM PDT New record for Audi: In the first six months of the year the company handed over more than 733,000 cars to customers worldwide, 12.3 percent more than in the same period of 2011. Around 133,050 customers chose an Audi in June alone – 13.1 percent more than one year ago. The strong performance in Germany continued in the past month with growth of 14.6 percent. The Ingolstadt-based company once again experienced significant double-digit (+20.4 percent) growth in deliveries on the Chinese market. In the United States, AUDI AG concluded the first half of the year with the best sales month in the company’s US history, plus 26.0 percent in June. “Despite a noticeable headwind in the Southern European markets, where Audi performs better than the total market, the brand is growing in all world regions. As a result, we are clearly on course to achieve our target of 1.4 million deliveries by year’s end,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi Board Member for Marketing and Sales, adds: “We want to continue this growth path in the second half of the year, when overall sales are traditionally not as strong. The new generation of the Q5 will also contribute as well as the new A3, which is especially important for Europe.”
Sales for Audi in Europe rose over the first six months by 2.8 percent to around 393,350 cars. As a result, the four rings further expanded its lead as Europe’s most successful premium carmaker. The brand is also developing successfully on its home continent in a long-term comparison with the market environment as a whole. While the Western European car market is currently down to its 1994 level, Audi’s sales volume in the first half of the year has more than doubled since then. As a result, Audi’s market share in Western Europe reached a record level of about 5.7 percent during the first half of 2012. Leading the growth of recent months were the Audi Q3 and the new A6. Deliveries of the A6 Avant model, which is especially popular in Europe, surpassed those of its predecessor in the first half of 2011 by 63.3 percent. Growth for Audi in Western Europe was led in the first half of the year by the German market, where sales rose by 7.3 percent to 134,173 units. This was also boosted by the A1 Sportback and the carmaker’s growing fleet business. Deliveries also grew by a significant 4.5 percent in the United Kingdom, the company’s second largest sales market in Europe. In addition, Audi noted a strong increase in demand for example in the Netherlands, with 13,026 cars handed over to customers (+30.4 percent), in Austria (+11.8 percent to 10,828 units), and in Switzerland (+6.5 percent to 9,125 cars). In France, sales figures reached the level of the same period last year (+0.4 percent), enabling Audi to further solidify its leadership position in the premium segment. Business also proved more stable for the four rings than for the total markets with regard to registration statistics in Italy and Spain. Deliveries however declined nonetheless at –18.7 and –9.9 percent respectively. In contrast, the entire Eastern European region has risen over recent months to become an increasingly important growth engine for Audi, particularly in Russia, which increased its sales total by 40.9 percent to 16,563 cars. In the United States, Audi of America set new records for deliveries in each of the six months. Cumulative sales rose by 16.5 percent to 65,158 units, fueled above all by the Q5 and the A7 Sportback, which is particularly popular with American customers, as well as by the A6 Sedan. There were 4,249 units of the A7 luxury-class coupe delivered in the United States during the first half of the year; the Q5 grew further in its second-biggest sales market by 21.6 percent to 13,544 deliveries. Moreover, continued growth across all models in Canada (+14.0 percent to 10,054 cars) and Mexico (+6.0 percent to 3,862 cars) further strengthened Audi’s momentum in North America in the first half of the year. Locally produced models spearheaded the strong growth in China during the first half of the year – up 37.8 percent to 193,871 cars: deliveries of the long-wheelbase version of the A4 increased 42.9 percent compared to the same period of 2011 – those of the Q5 rose by even 86.7 percent. Despite the model changeover that only took place in April, the A6 L also experienced considerable double-digit growth. With a total of 63,160 cars handed over to customers, this model confirmed its dominant position compared with the competition. Positive development in many other markets once again made Asia-Pacific the fastest-growing sales region for Audi in the first six months: in Japan, for instance (+18.6 percent to 11,961 units), in South Korea (7,196 cars, +50.2 percent), and, not least, in India. There, a comparison with deliveries in the first half of 2011 shows an increase of 42.8 percent to 4,000 premium cars sold. This is thanks above all to the new A6 and the new generation of the A4, the two models with the highest volume of sales for Audi in the market. The successful launch of the Q3 this month in India also contributed to the 76.0 percent increase in sales there in June. The youngest SUV with the four-ring emblem also arrived at dealerships for the first time in many other important growth markets in recent weeks, including Japan, Brazil and South Africa. The Q3 will celebrate its market debut in China during July. Stadler: “Worldwide demand for SUVs remains undiminished; their share of the global premium market will continue to grow in coming years. These are strong signals for our entire Q family, which we will supplement in the future with additional models.”
- Audi Related posts: You're reading Audi boosts deliveries by 12.3 percent in the first half of 2012 originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.
     |
| You are subscribed to email updates from ONEIGHTURBO To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
0 comments:
Post a Comment