Trevor Hill interview: Audi in the Middle East

Wednesday, 23 January 2013 11:14 PM

Trevor Hill has already overseen 50 per cent growth in Audi car sales in three international markets and now the South African has his eyes set on the Middle East.

Audi’s new managing director for the region is confident he can steer the company towards becoming the number-one premium car brand in the Gulf.

The goal is bullish but Hill’s and Audi’s recent records show it may just be possible.

Audi nearly doubled its global car sales in the past decade, well above the total car sector and despite the disastrous economic downturn.

It was the strongest and fastest growing premium brand in the world last year. Sales increased in every market except debt-ridden Europe, which still remained relatively steady at -0.1 percent.

Middle East and Africa sales expanded by a whopping 16.4 percent compared to 6 percent growth across the global car market.

“That’s very good indicators for us for continuous growth in 2013,” Hall says.

By comparison, Porsche Middle East increased its sales 15 percent during the year and BMW said it recorded a 13 percent increase in the region in the first half, while its full-year results were not yet public.

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Posted by: Audi Middle East Wednesday, 6 February 2013 4:26 PM[UAE] - UAE

Thank you for all the constructive feedback. In case you would like to reach Audi Middle East directly, you can email us on rsvp@audi.avme.ae for general topics & customer.care@avme.ae for service topics.

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Posted by: Tareq Sunday, 3 February 2013 10:53 AM[UAE] - uae

I think Audi is good car shame he service appointment is lacking in a big way , you can't give us service package to buy the car and later tell us service appiotment in a month time, no car company in the UAE does this except AUDI.

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Posted by: twistedtory Monday, 28 January 2013 1:56 PM[UAE] - Dubai

I was ready to buy a Jag 2.5 years ago, but the rude salestaff would not let me drive one. Sorry, not buying a car i can't test drive. Went to Audi, was given the key and told to bring it back in an hour or two. My A5 converitble sport cabriolet is an absolute dream, am now a died in the wool Audiphile. Don't appreciate being told by sales that certain things like tire pressure sensor were included only to learn too late that they are not. After sales service is still lacking and I don't appreciate being told I don't know what I'm talking about because I'm a woman. Mr. Hill needs to invest in extensive customer service training and incentives structured around customer experience, not only sales or numbers.

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Posted by: Rob Monday, 28 January 2013 11:45 AM[UAE] - Dubai

The reason customers just walk away, is mainly due to the fact that the sales person is either rude or just dont care.
They know in the ME people buy cars, so if it is not from the first person who walks in, it might the next or the next etc... the supply of customers abundant.
Personal experience from a customer who walked away.

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Posted by: James Thursday, 24 January 2013 2:49 PM[UAE] - Dubai

Audi is a great brand with fantastic products, if they can sort out their customer service (which seems to be improving in Dubai) and the ease of obtaining servicing, then they will keep many more loyal long-term customers. And I'll be along for my 10th Audi!

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