Audi

Audi (logo)

Audi continued to drive its major model and technology initiative in a difficult market environment. It presented the e-tron premium SUV, the brand’s first fully electric series-produced model.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

“Vorsprung” is an active brand promise that is delivered throughout the world, making Audi one of the most highly desired brands in the premium segment. In 2018, the brand had around 20 market launches, thus continuing the renewal of its model range and further strengthening its product portfolio. Audi presented the new A6, the eighth generation of its successful premium saloon. The A6 features dynamic surfaces, sharp contours and striking lines, conveying sporty elegance, cutting-edge technology and sophistication. Audi also presented the new face of its Q family for the first time: the Audi Q8. This combines the elegance of a four-door luxury coupé with the practical versatility of a large SUV. Its distinguished design is underlined by an imposing octagon-shaped, single-frame radiator grille, an elegant sloping roof line and up to 22-inch wheels. Audi started its electrification offensive in September 2018 with the world premiere of the e-tron. The SUV is the first all-electric production model from the brand with the four rings. Its comfort and spaciousness are equivalent to a traditional premium model. At fast-charging stations, the e-tron is ready for a long-distance drive after 30 minutes. A large number of pre-orders for the e-tron had already been received by the end of the year. By 2025, Audi plans to offer at least 20 electric models.

In the past fiscal year, Audi faced challenges from a difficult market environment and the new WLTP test procedure. The brand delivered a total of 1.8 million vehicles, a decline of 3.4%. While unit sales in Western Europe were down 13.9%, there were increases especially in China (+10.9%).

Audi sold 1.5 (1.5) million vehicles in 2018. Unit sales by the Chinese joint venture FAW-Volkswagen amounted to a further 620 (552) thousand Audi vehicles. The Q2, Q5, A4, A7 and A8 models were especially popular. Unit sales at Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. amounted to 6,333 (3,897) vehicles. The increase was mainly due to high demand for the Urus.

Globally, Audi produced 1.9 (1.9) million units in the reporting year. Lamborghini manufactured a total of 6,571 (4,056) vehicles in 2018.

SALES REVENUE AND EARNINGS

Sales revenue of the Audi brand was €59.2 (59.8) billion in fiscal year 2018. Operating profit before special items was 7.0% lower, at €4.7 billion. Mix improvements, positive exchange rate effects and product cost optimization were unable to compensate for lower vehicle sales and higher sales costs, both of which primarily reflect the impact of the WLTP, as well as higher depreciation and amortization charges due to the large volume of capital expenditure. Audi generated an operating return on sales before special items of 7.9 (8.5)%. Special items resulting from the diesel issue amounted to €−1.2 (−0.4) billion. The financial key performance indicators for the Lamborghini and Ducati brands are included in the financial figures for the Audi brand.

1.8 million

Vehicles delivered in 2018

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PRODUCTION

Units

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

 

 

 

Audi

 

 

 

 

A4

 

344,623

 

325,307

A3

 

304,903

 

313,380

Q5

 

298,645

 

289,959

A6

 

254,705

 

259,618

Q3

 

167,707

 

205,006

A5

 

111,544

 

119,595

Q7

 

110,593

 

106,515

Q2

 

108,386

 

102,084

A1

 

80,387

 

95,346

A8

 

24,541

 

15,854

Q8

 

22,414

 

364

A7

 

20,058

 

16,968

TT

 

12,118

 

22,174

e-tron

 

2,425

 

4

R8

 

1,764

 

3,179

 

 

1,864,813

 

1,875,353

 

 

 

 

 

Lamborghini

 

 

 

 

Urus

 

2,565

 

121

Huracán Coupé

 

1,669

 

1,822

Huracán Spyder

 

1,121

 

827

Aventador Roadster

 

638

 

278

Aventador Coupé

 

578

 

1,008

 

 

6,571

 

4,056

 

 

 

 

 

Audi brand

 

1,871,384

 

1,879,409

 

 

 

 

 

Ducati, motorcycles

 

53,320

 

56,743

  (XLS:) Download

AUDI BRAND

 

 

2018

 

20171

 

%

1

Sales revenue adjusted; see disclosures about the application of new International Financial Reporting Standards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deliveries (thousand units)

 

1,818

 

1,882

 

−3.4

Audi

 

1,812

 

1,878

 

−3.5

Lamborghini

 

6

 

4

 

+50.7

Vehicle sales

 

1,467

 

1,530

 

−4.1

Production

 

1,871

 

1,879

 

−0.4

Sales revenue (€ million)

 

59,248

 

59,789

 

−0.9

Operating result before special items

 

4,705

 

5,058

 

−7.0

Operating return on sales (%)

 

7.9

 

8.5

 

 

A6

A6 (photo)
DELIVERIES BY MARKET
in percent
Deliveries by market (pie chart)

FURTHER INFORMATION
www.audi.com