Audi Outsells BMW Worldwide

Audi reports global sales of 242,400 units in January-February, about 400 more than were sold by the luxury market's best-selling brand, BMW. Mercedes-Benz trails Audi by about 25,200 units so far this year.

Results from the Volkswagen AG unit were aided by a 43% jump in sales of the redesigned Audi A3 small sedan and 32% hike in demand for its Q7 large crossover vehicle.

Audi hopes to maintain its lead in 2014 by introducing 17 new or updated models this year. But BMW and Mercedes also are adding fresh vehicles to their lineups.