Audi India used car business aids new car sales growth; Q3, Q5 among top sellers in Jan-Mar 2023

Audi India has reported a strong first quarter of the calendar year 2023. The German carmaker retailed a total of 1,950 units in January to March 2023 period, which translates into 126 percent year-on-year growth. In comparison, Audi sold just 862 units in the same period last year. The brand also states that Q1 2023 sales constitute its strongest Q1 numbers since 2018.

1. SUVs accounted for majority of sales of up to 60 percent
2. Q3, Q5 SUVs and the A4 sedan were among the most sold models
3. Audi recorded growth of 126 percent in the first quarter

Audi 2023 first quarter sales performance

The company says that 60 percent of total sales in Q1 2023, which translates to about 1,170 units, were from SUVs. Speaking to Autocar India, Balbir Singh Dhillon, head of Audi India, revealed that the Q3 and Q5 were its bestselling models in this period, but the A4 sedan also brought in substantial numbers. “Our three strongest pillars were the Q3, the Q5 and the A4 sedan,” said Dhillon, adding that even the Q3 Sportback “has been doing really well.”

However, it's not just the entry-level models that are witnessing growth in Audi’s portfolio, even the top-end ICE portfolio, which includes the likes of the Q7 and Q8 SUVs and the A8 L sedan, has also witnessed strong demand. “Overall, the numbers are higher at the bottom end of the pyramid, but as you keep going up, there’s growth even at the top end of the luxury segment. Growth has been witnessed across the board,” said Dhillon.

As far as EVs are concerned, with three models in its portfolio, Dhillon said, “Our sales percentage with EVs is something between 3 to 5 percent. To get into double digits, we will need more models, and on that front, as you know, the Q8 e-tron is headed to India this year.” The EV line-up includes the e-tron SUV and Sportback, and the e-tron GT sportscar.

Audi Approved Plus expansion

On the retail side, Dhillon said Audi India is continuing to expand its pre-owned car business – Audi Approved Plus. Currently operating with 22 Audi Approved Plus showrooms across all major cities in the country – up from just 7 in 2020 – the brand will have over 25 pre-owned car facilities by the end of 2023.

The used car business has witnessed the strongest-ever sales in a quarter at 50 percent year-on-year. In fact, Dhillon admitted that the growing retail network of Audi Approved Plus has even been helping the new car business. "We are able to buy an old car from an existing customer in exchange of a new car," he said, essentially easing the trade in process. 

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