Audi posts 16% rise in MidEast sales in 2012

German car maker Audi has announced a 16 percent increase in vehicle sales in the Middle East in 2012.

The company delivered a total of 9,155 vehicles to customers in the region to cap what it described as "another record year".

Audi said that following the appointment of new managing director Trevor Hill, the firm now plans to concentrate on increasing capacities and quality for sales and after sales service in the region.

It added in a statement that the move aims to support its growth on route to its Middle East sales target of 20,000 units annually by 2020.

Hill said: "Audi is at present the fastest growing German premium brand in the Middle East. In 2013 our focus is on strengthening our infrastructure backbone in terms of sales and after sales service facilities. Together with our regional partners we currently have seven major construction projects on the way."

In 2012 the UAE made up 41 percent of Audi's total sales across the Middle East with 3,819 units sold - a growth of 21.7 percent.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait followed closely with 1,918 and 1,279 units sold in 2012 respectively - a growth of 26 percent and 20.7 percent.

Audi said it registered record results in all Middle East markets apart from Syria, where business operations have been suspended, and Qatar, where a new dealer was appointed recently.