Audi eyeing double digit growth in Qatar this year

February, 13th 2015

Audi expects a double digit growth in Qatar this year after posting a 26% increase in sales in the country last year, Audi Middle East managing director Trevor Hill told Gulf Times.

Speaking at the opening of the fifth edition of the Qatar Motor Show on Thursday, Hill said Audi in the region continued to grow, especially for the last two years. Q-Auto is the official distributor of Audi in Qatar.

The German car manufacturer recorded a 13% growth two years ago and 7% last year.

"But here in the Qatar market, there is a much stronger growth," said Hill. "Qatar is still the strongest growing country in the Gulf at the moment."

Audi is bringing in new cars and new products to the region such as the new Q7, Q3 and Q5. "The three SUVs are perfectly suited for a market like Qatar," he said.

Audi has at least 13 to 14% market share in the country in the premium segment.

"We measure premium market share and total market share. I think the key for us is the premium market share where we are dealing with our core premium competitors," he said.

Audi is planning to open a new workshop in Qatar.

"More importantly, for me, is a combination of volume and customer service," Hill pointed out.

About expansion, he said each of their dealers in the Middle East is expanding at the moment: either building a new showroom, a workshop or a used car facility. "Every single dealer is investing in the Audi brand right now."

The German car manufacturer also posted about 16% growth in Dubai last year, which it considers their biggest market in the Gulf.

This year, Audi unveiled the new Q7, its biggest selling model at the event which was attended by Mohamed Saadon al-Kuwari, Audi brand ambassador for Q-Auto.

The vehicle is a benchmark for the SUV segment - in terms of diversified drive-train technologies, lightweight construction technology, path-finding efficiency, intuitive connectivity and comprehensive electronics features.

A number of popular Audi models are also displayed at Qatar National Convention Centre such as the S3, S6, S7 and Q5.

Hill also announced that they will introduce new models in the region this year.

"In 2014, we established our ninth straight record year here in the Middle East - with the sales of 11,132 units and in Qatar, Q-Auto showed the biggest growth of all of our dealers with a 25% increase in sales over last year," he said in a statement.

Participating for four straight years, the Audi senior official lauded the Qatar Motor Show, saying it "has been a good way for us to show our products and our brand to the Qatar customers".

Source: www.gulf-times.com