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Audi made record profits last year, bucking the downward trend within the car industry by posting a 30 per cent increase over 2007.

The company made €2.21bn (£2bn) in 2008 and total turnover increased by 1.7 per cent to €34.2bn. Audi attributed the strong performance to improving sales in Europe, China and India, selling a total of 1,003,469 vehicles. Audi’s sales in the US decreased by 6.1 per cent.

Despite the record sales, Audi has been quick to warn that it is likely to be seri...Read the full article

Partly down to BMW dropping the ball with its Bangle inspired ugliness, partly down to current models all coming round for a refresh in 2008 at the same time, A3, A4 & A6, Partly down to great new niche models like the A5 and the halo Effect of the R8.

Well done Audi, just a shame they aren't RWD...

Orangewheels:

Well done Audi

What the h*ll is this!?! ...Praise for Audi AG?

 Never thought I would see a statement like this on this site.

This is where parts sharing gets you, and I would guess this is the reason for Daimler / BMW's move recently.

Also helps, with the A4 out selling both the C Class and 3 Series in its home land.

Wonder if they got any "internal" cash from the sale of the tooling and design rights of the old A4 to SEAT?

Orangewheels:

Well done Audi, just a shame they aren't RWD...

I agree, and only one out of the 30-odd cars I've owned has been FWD,  (a Mini Jem), but maybe the majority of buyers prefer FWD.  Unless it was pointed out, I doubt that the majority of Audi drivers would be aware of whether they were being pushed or pulled.

Paul J:

I agree, and only one out of the 30-odd cars I've owned has been FWD,  (a Mini Jem), but maybe the majority of buyers prefer FWD.  Unless it was pointed out, I doubt that the majority of Audi drivers would be aware of whether they were being pushed or pulled.

I still think there's a perception that RWD is the 'best' way to power a larger Executive car, and has hampered Audi's image in trying to match BMW and Merc.

No other premium maker majors on FWD but Audi gets away with it because that's what Auto Union has used since 1930. It's the exception that proves the rule.

Orangewheels:

Well done Audi, just a shame they aren't RWD...

 

Ironically, its the fact that Audi's are not RWD and can share parts with other VW Group vehicles that makes  Audi so successful today.

roadtester:

No other premium maker majors on FWD but Audi gets away with it because that's what Auto Union has used since 1930. It's the exception that proves the rule

It's also much cheaper to manufacture and saves Audi a fortune, but dents the prestige value, like it did to the X-Type. Audi also gets away with it by selling the Quattro system despite links to rallying getting rather old and it not being fitted to the vast majority of repmobiles as it adds weight and ruins CO2 ratings.

So many people believe that all Audis are 4 wheel drive, and quite a few believe that cars like the TT and A4 are made purely of Aluminium as thats the high tech image Audi advertise.

I think many of you are "thinking" too much. Audi are selling because they are percieved as a quality brand and do not have the same real world social stigma associated with them as say a BMW. Sorry BMW boys, those people waving at you aren't really waving :)

The average company car driver doesn't care whether it's front wheel or rear wheel drive or whether it's constructed with aluminium or not (other than a bit of trim in the cabin !). As long as the car drives nice, is refined, well screwed together and is prestigous then that's really all that matters.

I was a BMW bloke, still am inside but Bangle destroyed the brand (in my opinion at least), the interiors of most of the range are just plain and ugly too. I traded in my 630 Sport for and Audi S5 and whilst I miss the BMW badge, the S5 just does it all so much better for me. I think Audi need to remain innovative though as all their cars are starting to look a bit samey..What I really want is an Alfa Romeo, the Italians are kings when it comes to design (sorry wandered off topic there :o) ) Anyway, well done Audi, good job.