3.5.13

Audi pips BMW


German maker Audi has become the top luxury car seller in India as it edged past compatriot BMW to gain leadership in one of the world’s most promising market. The leadership for Audi comes within a year of its edging past Mercedes Benz, another fellow German company.
BMW managed to sell 1,410 units in the first quarter of 2013 (January-March), a decline of 40% against the 2,369 units it sold in the same period last year. Audi sold 2,616 units in the same period at a growth of 15% over the 2,269 units it sold in January-March, 2012. Mercedes Benz was also ahead of BMW in the period as it sold 2,009 units at a growth of 5% in January-March, 2013 compared to 1908 units in the same period last year.BMW, however, said it is not worried with the loss of leadership in a quarter. The market had been abuzz with expectations of a leadership for Audi after BMW refused to share its sales numbers with industry body, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam). Even as Siam functionaries expressed displeasure over the move, BMW officials justified their refusal, saying the industry body releases wholesale numbers (company’s sales to dealers) whereas it reports retail figures (sales made by dealers).

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