onthebeam

I've posted before that the A7 is not selling well with declines this year compared with 2012.

Good news this month:

"Sales of Audi A7 increased 25% compared to November 2012."

That might mean for slightly tougher negotiating for you but remember that end of the year sales numbers are still crucial. Late Dec. is a good time to buy if you are in the market.

http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelea...id=3631&mid=98

One downside to November news is not found in the Audi press release. It slipped behind Mercedes in overall sales. Not a surprise since Mercedes has new models, especially hot selling CLA. Mercedes beat us by only just over 1,000 cars for November, dropped Audi to third selling luxury brand.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-1...ales-lead.html

onthebeam

From USA Today, here's an overall look at how the European Big Three are doing:

AUDI:

Fast-growing Audi's 13.4% sales gain in November marked a 35th month of record sales.

Its total through 11 months is 141,048, already enough for an annual record in the U.S.

The volume leader was the Q5 small SUV, followed by the A4 entry sedan line.

BMW:

BMW Group posted a 0.4% decline in U.S, sales for the month to 36,327, driven by a 12.8% drop in sales of the Mini brand.

BMW brand sales rose 1.7%, led by a 22% gain for its volume 3 and 4 Series cars.

BMW SUVs overall were down 8.3%.

MERCEDES-BENZ:

Mercedes-Benz USA reported sales up 14.4% from a year ago, with a strong 13.4% gain for the Mercedes-Benz brand to 34,376.

Its Sprinter trucks were up 23.3% to 2,010 and the Smart minicar was up 36.2% to 959.

The volume-leading Mercedes was the redesigned 2014 E-Class, at 8,614.

looking@audi

I realize strong worldwide sales are important to the financial stability of any automotive company, however, I like the fact that that are far fewer Audi's rings (especially A7's) on the road and in my neighborhood compared to the stars and propellors.

Phoenix1

Agree totally about the exclusivity of the A7 - it is one sweet looking car. Also, being the biggest doesn't mean the best when you start diluting your efforts to try and fill too many niches in the market. Just MHO...