Audi AG continues with its growth

The Audi Group surpassed its targets for the year 2012. Despite the significant effects of the debt crisis in some countries and a contracting overall market in Europe, the company posted record figures for production, shipments, revenue and earnings. The Audi Group was also able to increase its operating profit to €5.4 billion, a record result in the company’s history so far. In the full year, the operating return on sales of 11.0 percent was above the strategic target corridor of eight to ten percent. In 2013, the company intends to continue its growth and gain additional customers. In addition, the automobile manufacturer from Ingolstadt plans to recruit approximately 1,500 new employees in Germany alone, and will offer 700 young people an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Audi presented all of its key figures for the past financial year at its annual press conference held today at the company’s headquarters in Ingolstadt and attended by more than 300 international journalists. Rupert Stadler, the CEO of AUDI AG, stated: “2012 was a very successful year for us. We surpassed our targets and added an attractive premium brand, Ducati, to our brand portfolio. We intend to continue our growth in 2013 and with two new plants this year, we will create the right conditions to reinforce our claim to leadership over the long term.” As of 2016, Audi will produce the next generation of the Q5 at its new plant in San José Chiapa, Mexico.

The main return figures reflect the company’s strong profitability. They demonstrate that the Audi Group continues to be one of the world’s most successful automobile manufacturers. In addition to the operating return on sales of 11.0 percent, the return on sales before taxes reached the excellent level of 12.2 percent (2011: 13.7 percent). The return on capital was 30.9 percent (2011: 35.4 percent).