On 3rd May 2012, the German car maker Audi announced the launch of its longest selling sedan, the new A4. With its recently acquired emotional appeal, the new Audi A4 will reach out to a customer base, which is much wider and younger. Compared to its predecessors, the new Audi A4 provides more advantages. It is a combination of outstanding handling characteristics and powerful dynamic design. The sporty and stylish car is now offered with a starting price of Rs. 2,785,000 (Ex-showroom Delhi). Customers can buy this car from any Audi dealership across the country.
Mr. Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India, said, “The new Audi A4 with its progressive design, efficient driving dynamics and class defining interiors will take the driving experience to a new paradigm for all our customers. The young and sleek looks will appeal to the younger generation who have arrived in life and are looking to affirm their status and positions among their peers. The engines with their superior technology will give better fuel efficiencies while the new and improved lines and interiors will certainly turn heads and add to the comfort and luxury that one expects from Audi. The outstanding sales performance in the first quarter of 2012 of its predecessor encouraged us to pre-pone the launch of the new Audi A4.”
In India, Audi is the fastest growing luxury car brand. It rules the market in the sports car segment with its Audi RS5, Audi R8 and now Audi TT. Even in the luxury SUV segment, it holds supremacy with its Audi Q7 and Audi Q5. The A range of limousines of the company will be strengthened with the launch of its new Audi A4. For 39 years, A4, which is now in its eighth generation, has been the best seller. With more than 10 million A4 vehicles sold since 1972, it becomes the most successful model of Audi. In India, Audi A4 outsold its core competition in the first quarter of this year and became the best seller in its segment.
A4 is a sporty and elegant car, which enhances the brand image. In the new model, horizontal lines at the front are further highlighted. The car maker has provided a pointed shape to the upper corners of the single frame grille apart from making the engine hood more arched. Three dimensional highlights have been done to the Audi rings and cross ribs. Angular air inlets, flat front fog lights and revised grille further enhance the look of the redesigned bumpers. 10 percent improvement is also made in the fuel efficiency of the car.
As per ARAI, fuel efficiency of 15.64 kmpl has been offered by 1.8 TFSI, which is 25 percent more than its predecessors. Even fuel efficiency of 16.55 kmpl is offered by 2.0 TDI. Fully integrated Audi Car Life covering insurance, financing, service plan and extended warranty is offered by new Audi A4. This product designed for elite customers will provide them maximum benefit as all services can be clubbed at a single EMI rate. Launched with the new Audi A4, Audi Car Life will be provided with the Audi Q5, Audi A6, Audi A8, and Audi Q7. In 2011-2012, Audi was conferred with 27 awards. Audi A4 now has most features of the seven times award winning Audi A6 and Audi A8. Some highlighting features of this car includes Driver Information System, LED Daytime Running Lights, Xenon Plus Headlights, Efficiency increase (Energy Recovery) and Audi Music Interface.
New Audi A4 has drive system incorporated in it, which is unique. All turbocharged direct-injection engines have recuperation system as standard features. In the petrol variants, the start- stop system is the standard feature. The new car also features new infotainment systems. Concert radio with eight speakers is provided as standard feature. However, the top model will have colour monitor, voice dialogue and DVD player.
“We have been steadfast in expanding our network so as to achieve the target of selling at least 8000 cars by the end of this year. It is this ability to identify potential markets and tap them with right products that has helped us maintain our position as the fastest growing luxury car brand in India. Audi has bagged 27 awards for our class defining products such as the Audi A8, Audi A7 Sportback and the Audi A6 and this not only reinforces our brand’s appeal but also the prominent position that we have taken in India’s luxury car market. I am confident that our impressive sales performance where we achieved the No.2 position in the first quarter coupled with the recent launch of the new Audi A4, Audi TT and the imminent arrival of the Audi Q3, plus our fast expanding dealer network will ensure that Audi maintains its position as the fastest growing luxury car brand in India”, added Mr. Perschke.
Selling 562 cars in the month of April, Audi attained higher sales percentage in India. In April 2011, the company sold 375 cars, which increased this April. Compared to 1986 vehicles sold during January to April 2011, the company sold 2831 vehicles in the similar period this year registering 43 percent growth. By the end of 2012, Audi India expects to increase its dealership to 25 from existing 18 centres.
The company has opened new showrooms in Delhi West, Coimbatore and Nagpur. Last year, Audi established showrooms in Chennai, Ludhiana, Delhi South, Surat and Indore. Further developments are Lucknow, Bhopal and Mumbai South. At present, Audi offers Audi A8L, Audi TT, the super sports car Audi R8 Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A7 Sportback, Audi RS5 Coupé, and the Audi R8 Spyder available across India.
Audi cars are available in Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi South, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Delhi West, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Mumbai West, Nagpur, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Pune and Surat.
