Audi Hikes Global Sales 13%

Volkswagen AG's Audi unit sold 119,600 vehicles worldwide last month compared with 105,900 units in July 2011 as demand grew in all regions.

The brand's sales jumped 18% to 32,900 vehicles in China, 28% to 11,700 units in the U.S. and 36% to 2,800 units in Russia. Demand increased 6% to 60,800 units in Europe, including an 11% climb to 23,700 units in Germany.

Audi's global volume outpaced rival luxury brands BMW (113,300 vehicles) and Mercedes-Benz (97,300 units) in July. Audi, whose sales rose 12% to 852,900 vehicles in January-July, trails BMW by 7,400 units for that period. Demand for Mercedes passenger vehicles grew 6% to 759,300 units in the seven-month span.