Audi Posts Record Sales in First Quarter

Global sales by Volkswagen AG's Audi unit grew to 346,100 vehicles in the first three months of this year the best quarter in the brand's history from 312,500 units in the same period of 2011.

Audi volume surged 41% to 90,100 units in China in the January-March period and climbed 16% to 29,500 units in the U.S. Sales set records for any quarter in both countries.

In Europe, Audi's sales were flat at 186,400 vehicles. Demand rose 3% to 58,000 units in Germany and 3% to 35,800 units in the U.K. But the brand's volume dropped in the region's other three main markets: France (-1% to 15,900 units), Italy (-23% to 12,900) and Spain (-13% to 10,800).