'If economic conditions don't substantially change, we expect higher outlays for new models, technology and assembly expansion with an operating result at the high level of the previous year,' said Axel Strotbek (Inset, Right), chief financial officer for Audi.

Last week, parent firm Volkswagen already reported its first quarter results, which included Audi. It also said Audi's first-quarter operating profit rose to EUR 1.41bn from EUR 1.12bn in the prior-year period.

Audi remained the Volkswagen Group's largest earnings contributor ahead of the namesake VW passenger car brand.