Volkswagen will have little to display from its luxury brand Audi at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show, other than a sports car. Audi accounts for almost half of the operating profit at Volkswagen. It will unveil a new version of the TT sports car at the auto show. This model accounted for less than 2 percent of the brand’s 1.58 million sales in 2013. Its biggest rival, BMW will showcase the latest model from its cutting-edge i series of electric cars. Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz will present a new version of its best-selling C-Class.
In comparison with its rivals, Audi has not revealed any new models. Tow VW sources revealed that overhauls to Audi’s top-selling A4 sedan and the Q7 SUV, slated for 2014, will be pushed into next year as the cars need to be reworked. Europe’s car market is back in growth as the region’s long-suffering economy recovers from a debt crisis. The luxury car industry avoided the worst of the downturn, thanks in part to strong demand from developing countries, and will be a key battleground as the European market recovers.
Research firm IHS Automotive forecasts Audi will briefly snatch the luxury sales crown in 2017/18, as it aims to double its line-up of popular premium crossovers that includes the Q5 compact SUV. But it expects both Audi and Mercedes to miss their goals to overtake BMW by 2020, with Mercedes staying in third place throughout the period. BMW, aiming to stay in the top sales spot for a tenth straight year, will flaunt the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car in Geneva. Other unveilings will include the new four-door Mini Clubman concept car and the new 2 series Active Tourer minivan. Mercedes will present the new V-class minivan and a coupe version of its all-new flagship S class sedan, the brand’s top-end product.
Posted By:: Muhammad Usman
Sources: Auto news
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