Audi Expects May U.S. Imported Luxury Market Share to Increase

- Record sales month for Audi Q5 with 1,413 units sold

- Audi A5 sales increase 59.5% over May 2008

- Audi Q7 records best month of 2009 with TDI vehicles accounting for 44% units sold

HERNDON, Va., June 2 -- Audi today announced sales for the month of May totaling 7,503 units sold. The U.S. imported luxury vehicle market share for Audi vehicles is expected to increase significantly in May from 6.8 percent share recorded in May 2008. The Audi U.S. market share has consistently gained in 2009, and has further accelerated with the introduction of the Audi Q5 luxury crossover.

With growing interest in its third full month, the Audi Q5 luxury crossover vehicle surpassed its previous monthly sales record with 1,413 units sold in May. The strong retail demand for the Q5 can also be seen by the quick turnaround in inventory at dealerships throughout the country.

Also continuing its strength in 2009, the Audi A5 sales increased over last year by more than 59.5 percent, due to 716 units sold this May. The A5 has recorded 3,150 total units sold in 2009, surpassing the total sales from 2008 during the same period by 48.4 percent.

"Consumers once again proved that when you offer the right product -- sporty, yet sophisticated, design with exceptional dynamic character -- sales will follow, no matter the economic headwinds," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. "Industry sales this month continue to show that the nation has not yet turned the corner, but I see signs that consumers are interested, as both showroom and internet traffic are up."

The Audi TDI clean diesel SUV showed promising signs in a limited release during May. The Audi Q7 TDI surpassed 350 sales in May, representing 44 percent of total Q7 sales. Total sales for the Audi Q7 reached 795, which is an 18% increase over last month and the best sales month of 2009 for the model.

Audi recorded 2,839 Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) units sold in May, and has now exceeded 13,358 CPO sales in 2009.