Audi sales hit by failing economies

Audi sold almost a third fewer cars in January than a year ago, the company announced today.

Sales were down 29% as the economic crisis pushed down demand.

Audi, part of Volkswagen, said it sold 56,200 cars worldwide last month. That was down from 78,679 in January 2008.

The maker of the A4, A6 and Q5 said the drop in sales reflects both the lack of consumer confidence and record sales a year earlier.

“This year won’t be easy for anyone,” Peter Schwarzenbauer, an Audi board member responsible for marketing, said.

“At Audi our strategy remains expansive,” he added. “Our young product range has been well-received in comparison with our competitors – this is proven by our growing market share.”

Audi said January sales in Europe were down 31% to 38,000 cars. They were 26% lower in the US at 4,722. Asia-Pacific region sales fell 22% to 10,400.

Audi said there were some bright spots – such as Australia, where January sales were up 6% to 1,081 cars.