Porsche Romania, the biggest domestic car importer, sold 150 units of the new Audi Q7 SUV model, half of the target the company had set for the entire year.
The model was officially launched on Monday at a starting price of 50,000 euros including taxes, and the value of sold cars already exceeds 7.5 million euros.
"For 2006, we have set a realistic target of 300 units. As regards to the following years, I cannot provide any estimated because since it is a new model, the Q7 will register a real sales boom at the beginning," stated George Sanduleac, Audi brand manager.
According to Audi representatives, the high number of orders is accounted for by the fact that potential customers have expected an Audi SUV model.
Most Romanian customers have opted for versions equipped with diesel engines and above-average equipment.
Porsche Romania imports Audi, Porsche, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen brands to the Romanian market.
"We set out to take the lead on the premium segment and the Q7 is what we lacked in order to slash the market share of the main rivals," Sanduleac also said.
The Q7 is aimed to compete with models such as BMW X5, M-class Mercedes and Volvo XC90. Prices vary depending on the models, from 44,412 euros to 72,656 euros, without tax.
The Q7 can be equipped with two engine versions- a three-litre diesel engine, developing 233 horsepower and a 4.2 litre petrol engine, which produces 350 horsepower.
Starting the second half of this year, the range is also set to include a 3.6-litre petrol version, producing 280 horsepower.
Safety systems include side-assist, allowing drivers to safely change the traffic lane, because the traffic behind the car is monitored through radar waves.
At the beginning of this year, the company launched the A4 Cabriolet model and this year intends to introduce the new TT, Allroad Quattro, and S range models.
Sanduleac specified he expected the market to grow along the SUV premium segment both in 2006 and in the following year.
Last year, the Audi luxury brand posted growth of 40%, lower than the growth rate of volume brands.
For this year, the company''s representatives stated they expected a number of 1,700 models would be sold, which would account for growth by 30% from 2005.
Overall, Porsche Romania sales last year reached 32,450 cars, over 84% more compared with the previous year.
The pace of growth is almost double what the car market posted during the same period.
For 2006, the company''s representatives estimate car sales will surge and turnover will reach 500 million euros. ioana.david@zf.ro
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