FAW-Volkswagen's Audi Sales Division has maintained its growth trend for four consecutive months, with sales last month 7.1 percent higher than in the same period last year.

The automaker registered a monthly sales volume of 58,062 cars in September.

The Jilin province-based, Sino-German automaker realized the achievement amid an overall market slowdown, as its rivals step up efforts to compete for China's premium auto market. The company attributed its achievement to the strength of its offerings, specifically the frequent launch of characteristic models and products aimed at younger drivers.

Among the products it sold in September, 51,909 cars were manufactured locally in China, up 6.3 percent year-on-year. The best-selling models were the Audi A6L, Q5 and A4L, which achieved respective sales of 12,533, 11,980, and 11,749 units.

The combined volume of the three models contributed 62.5 percent to the automaker's total sales in the month. The large-size sedan Audi A6L and mid to large-size SUV Audi Q5 consolidated their segment-leading positions, with accumulated sales volumes of 102,197 and 88,344, respectively, in the first nine months of 2017. The locally produced A3 sedan is also dominating the premium compact car market, according to the automaker's figures.

In addition to the strong sales of localized Audi models, those shipped directly from Europe have also performed well.

The popular imported large-size SUV, the new Audi Q7, saw a sales surge of 44.3 percent year-on-year in September, with 1,882 cars sold.

The imported upper mid-range Audi A5 leaped 52 percent year-on-year, while the large-size A7 fastback sedan saw 43.2 percent more sales in September, year-on-year. A total of 418,670 customers across China have taken delivery of a new Audi since the start of the year. The automaker said it believes its customers note its sincerity and the importance it attaches to the Chinese market. FAW-Volkswagen Audi said Chinese customers have embraced the latest facelifts for models such as the Audi Q7, A6L and A4L, together with the new Audi TT RS and RS 3 Limosine high performance cars.

30th Anniversary

During the Chengdu Motor Show held in southwestern Sichuan province in August, FAW-Volkswagen Audi launched a fleet of enhanced and upgraded products, including the Audi A6L 30-Year Anniversary edition. Eligible for purchase tax exemptions, the plug-in hybrid Audi Q7 e-tron SUV hit dealers' forecourts in May, charging into the competitive imported car market.

The abundant Audi offerings aim to provide customers with rich experiences, among other features, through characteristic and diversified lineups.

The joint venture will provide multiple 30-Year Anniversary editions of current models, not only to commemorate the historic event, but also as a salute to customers in return for their lavish affection, the automaker said.

The Audi A6L 30-Year Anniversary Edition is targeted at younger Chinese premium car customers, with a series of upgraded configurations for an exclusive, luxury experience.

It is the first model to be forged for the ceremony in 2018, celebrating the three-decades-long partnership between FAW Group and the Audi brand.

Thirty years ago, on May 17, 1988, First Automobile Works and Audi AG entered into their manufacturing contract in Changchun, capital of Jilin province.

Being a leading luxury automaker for decades in terms of localizing and offering products suiting Chinese customers' tastes, the company is driving the premium segment on to new heights with its latest models. The cutting-edge compact Audi Q2 is ready to attract younger buyers' orders, and the long wheelbase Audi Q5L is ready to roll out early next year.

FAW-Volkswagen Audi said it believes it will draw local customers with its just-upgraded, class-leading line-ups, boosting sales volumes and ensuring its sustainable industrial leadership in the near future.

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(China Daily 10/16/2017 page19)