Record market share is threatening to leave Audi's retail network with a major shortfall in staffing. Only weeks after celebrating showroom success that has made it the fastest-growing premium brand in Britain, Audi UK has launched a nationwide search for up to 500 extra sales staff and technicians.

A succession of new models - the new A8 and new A3 arrive next year and the new A6 saloon, Avant and coupe range follows in 2004 - is expected to achieve annual sales of 80,000 by 2006. Audi is on target to break the 60,000 barrier this year.

'We will not be growing our network from 125 outlets,” says director Kevin Rose. “But many will need larger premises and improved facilities. The network needs additional technicians with diagnostics skills and, by the end of next year, we need to have 200 more sales staff.” He added some dealers may have to consider relocation.