Audi Nearly Overtakes BMW in Global Premium Market

The gap between AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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and in terms of global premium auto sales fell to just 2,110 vehicles in August. It makes BMW's seven-year position as global premium car leader quite uncertain. In the eight months of the year, Audi has sold 961,000 cars worldwide, up 13% over the previous year, and BMW has sold 963,110 cars, up 7.8% over the previous year. At this time last year, the gap between the two automakers' unit sales was 40,513 cars. Audi's goal had been to beat BMW in sales by 2020, but it is looking increasingly possible that it may do it this year. 

In August BMW sold 102,730 cars worldwide whereas Audi sold 108,100 cars

The shift is partially attributed to China where Audi and VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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is especially powerful. Audi has been building cars in China since 1996 and is established in the market. BMW waited until 2003 to partner with BrillianceBrillianceChina, 2002 > present1 model
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and begin building there. 

Audi has begun building a new factory in Mexico that will help it complete in North America. Mercedes and BMW already have factories in the US. 

BMW has been the largest premium automaker since 2005 when it took the lead from MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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. 

Source: Automotive News Europe