Audi Middle East said it sold a total of 7,732 units in 2008 posting an increase of 21.2 percent over 2007, when it sold 6,380 units.

For December alone the company reported sales of 728 units, which is a plus of 21.9 percent over 2007, said a top official.

With 2278 units sold in 2008, the Audi Q7 SUV remains Audi’s best seller, followed by the Audi A6 and A8 with 1745 and 1215 units.

Announcing the annual results for 2008 Audi ME managing director Jeff Mannering said, "We are aware of the economic situation that is affecting the automotive industry in particular. Reporting these results we don’t mean to be shouting from the rooftops, but rather continue the tradition of annual results reporting."

"We are proud of our results and the hard work of our dealers, but like everyone else we hope for a positive future ahead," he noted.

“According to our forecasts the main impact will result from the decrease in available car loans, but we hope the Middle East region will pull through the crisis quickly," Mannering opined.

"By maintaining stable price levels we aim to support the buyer confidence in the market and secure the resale value of our customer’s cars for the future," he added.-TradeArabia News Service