Audi Battles Back in China’s Luxury Brand Sales Race

Last month Audi narrowly outsold rival Mercedes-Benz in China by 53,200 units to 52,600 as it races to retain its position as the market’s best-selling luxury car brand.

In 2017, Audi and Mercedes reported sales in China totaling 597,900 and 587,900 vehicles, respectively. But Mercedes had the momentum with a volume gain of 26% compared with only 1% for Audi.

The race has tightened this year. Through the first seven months of 2018, Mercedes outsold Audi by 392,800 units to 359,800 units. But Audi’s deliveries surged 18% compared with a 15% expansion Mercedes.

China’s demand for BMW-Mini brand vehicles rose 15% to 595,400 units. Last month the two marques sold a combined 46,700 units there, up 8% year on year.