Audi India has reported sales decline of 18 percent for 2018 at 6,463 units sold, down from 7,846 units sold in 2017. Through 2018, Audi India introduced Audi Q5 TDI, Audi RS5 Coupe, Audi Q5 TFSI, Audi Q3 Design Edition and Audi Q7 Design Edition.
The company elaborates 2018 has been a tough year for the company in India, especially H2, but managed to earn profitable growth for dealer partners. In 2019, Audi India will launch the A8, R8, and other vehicles, including e-tron soon. The company says 2019 will be the ‘Year of the ‘8’s’. In comparison, 2018 was the Year of Progression.
In September 2018, Audi India announced the closure of Audi India Delhi Central and Gurgaon dealerships. With Delhi NCR being a major market for the company, the closure of dealerships impacted sales. Deliveries were also impacted by supply constraints on select models with the European market shift to WLTP cycles which effected phase in – phase out of vehicles.
Rahil Ansari, Head Audi India said, “Unique and clutter breaking marketing initiatives continue to keep the brand ahead in the ‘pop culture’ in India, which is why we are amongst the top choices of the luxury car buyers. This will be a strong focus area for 2019 as well and we will further create opportunities and fan moments for our enthusiasts with curated content and initiatives.”
In 2019, Audi India will focus on continuing to create a sustainable business for the longterm. Will profitability being of paramount importance for anyone in a business, Audi India looks forward to sustainable growth and profitability together with dealer partners.
Of the 5 luxury car manufacturers that operate in the mass market, Audi India is the only one to report sales decline in 2018. Mercedes-Benz posted a fairly decent performance in Q4 2018 to end the year on a positive note, only barely. 2018 sales are reported at 15,538 units, up 1.4 percent from 15,330 units sold in 2017. Despite Mercedes-Benz’ minute growth, the company has secured top spot for the fourth consecutive year.
BMW India sales stand at 11,105 at a commendable growth of 13 percent. Jaguar Land Rover sold 4,596 units cars at 16 percent growth. Volvo reported sales of 2,638 units at 30 percent growth. In all, the big five luxury car manufacturers have posted a sales volume of about 40k cars in 2018.
