Audi last week announced record Middle East sales of 7,865 vehicles sold in 2011, eclipsing 2010 by 26.8 percent. This makes Audi the fastest growing premium brand in the Middle East

With 40 percent of total Middle East sales (3,137 units) the UAE remains the largest market in the region for the German premium car manufacturer and continues to register strong growth. Sales increased by 42 percent (1,250 units) in Abu Dhabi and 39 percent in Dubai (1,887 units). The UAE is followed closely by KSA and Kuwait, where 1,522 (plus 35.7 percent) and 1,060 (plus 3.3 percent) vehicles were sold respectively.

2011 results were buoyed by strong performance in the C, D and SUV segments. The Audi Q7 SUV remained the brand’s best selling model with sales of 1,588 units in 2011. Sales of the recently launched A8 L luxury sedan increased by 280.5 percent to 1,484 vehicles sold. Audi’s Q5 compact SUV consolidated its position as segment leader with 1,218 units delivered to customers (plus 8.6 percent). The Audi A6 executive sedan grew by 9.0 percent to 1,127 units in 2011 following the introduction of new model in summer 2011.

“Another record year of sales reinforces the Audi position in the Middle East market, as consumers increasingly choose Audi over other luxury competitors,” said Audi Middle East managing director Jeff Mannering. “In 2012, Audi will continue to capture a significant share of the premium market with new model introductions including the eagerly awaited Audi Q3 and S models, and continued investment from our dealer network.”

In its efforts to delight customers, the brand with the four rings introduced several new model variants, including the new Audi A1 and A7, to its portfolio in 2011. Construction started on three new Audi showrooms in the UAE, while the new Audi showroom in Al Khobar, KSA, opened in May 2011.