Audi says its China sales to top 130,000 cars in '09

Shanghai, September 18 (Gasgoo.com) Volkswagen AG's premium division Audi said earlier this week that it is sticking to its 2009 sales forecast of 900,000 vehicles and expects to reach a "solid result" in 2009, with China sales to exceed 130,000 units, Dow Jones reported.

However, the German luxury car maker expects moderate global growth in 2010. It should take three years, until the record figures of 2008 can be reached again, said Peter Schwarzenbauer, sales and marketing chief, at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

In 2009 Audi wants to sell more than 130,000 vehicles in China for the first time, he said. "We expect that the battle for the premium crown will be decided in China," he added. Audi cars are currently made in China through FAW-VW, Volkswagen's Chinese venture with FAW Group Corp.

Audi benefited from its relatively fuel-efficient lineup and its strong position in China, where sales are still growing. Audi plans to open a new plant in China soon to meet the country's fast-growing demand for premium cars.

Audi sales in China including Hong Kong jumped nearly 43% to 13,399 vehicles in July, marking another monthly record, propelled by booming demand in the Chinese market. August sales figure is not available yet.