Audi has announced that it has sold more cars worldwide than ever before in the first quarter of 2004. Around 259,000 vehicles have been sold, which is approximately 4.1% more than in the same period last year (248,924 vehicles).

"This record figure has been achieved despite the run-out of the A6 saloon. The Audi A8 and Audi A3 both contributed significantly to this success.

“With the launch of the new Audi A6 we are confident that we will achieve a new record for vehicle sales again for 2004," says Ralph Weyler, board member for marketing and sales at Audi.

The A8 enjoyed the highest rate of growth in the first four months with sales in the region of 7,400 models, an increase of around 50%. It was followed by the A3 with sales of around 57,500 units, an increase of one third compared with 2003.