It has been a roller coaster ride across the Middle East over the past five or so years. From the fledgling beginnings of a market, to one of the most impressive booms any region across the globe has ever seen, to the same financial face plant every major market in the world suffered from. It has certainly been a learning curve.
The housing market in particular was hit in a way that most expected but always didnt want to admit and along with that, the automotive market, riding high on crazy property speculation had a monstrous hit. However, it is seemingly well over the hump and running at a gentle pace towards a strong position again.
Audi along with a couple of other companies are reporting happy numbers. During the first half of 2011, Audi Middle East announced sales of 3,725 vehicles across 12 Middle East markets – an increase of 18.4 percent over the same period last year. The United Arab Emirates remain the largest market for the German premium car manufacturer with 1,531 cars delivered to customers and a growth of 29.6 percent over 2010. Impressive numbers…
As you can imagine there is always reason for growth and if you dig a little deeper Audi’s has been fuelled primarily through the launches of the new Audi A1, A7 as well as A8 L, which was launched at the end of 2010. The best selling models however continue to be the SUV and large saloon segments… when are we ever going to shake the reliance on SUV’s and start selling some super sexy wagons?!!?
The second half of 2011 is where their game face comes in. Audi is set to launch the Audi R8 GT, A8 L W12, A8 L 3.0T, as well as further engine variants across the region. The latest exec saloon on the block, the Audi A6, which was launched in June, is expected to do well, added to the fact that to attract customers during the hot summer months, Audi dealerships across the region will be running the annual Audi Extra summer promotion.
Sounds enticing. Now.. are there any deals on the bahnstorming TT RS???
