The carmaker posted an 11.7% rise in the number of units shipped in 2012, which were up to a total of 1,455,123 cars. In spite of the challenging market environment in Europe, sales were up by 1.8% to around 739,000 in this region. Record unit sales were seen in more than 50 markets last year, including the US where the brand set new sales records every month. Strong sellers include the new Q3 and the A6 Avant.

Revenue increased by 10.6% to €48.8bn from €44.1bn in 2011 and operating profit was up 0.6% to a new record figure of €5.38bn compared to €5.35bn last year. However after-tax profit was down 1% to €4.35bn from €4.39bn, due to higher costs.

Rupert Stadler, CEO of AUDI AG, said: ‘2012 was a very successful year for us. We surpassed our targets and added an attractive premium brand, Ducati, to our brand portfolio. We intend to continue our growth in 2013 and with two new plants this year, we will create the right conditions to reinforce our claim to leadership over the long term.’

Finance chief Axel Strotbek added: ‘We already initiated the biggest investment program in our history in 2011. We now plan total investment averaging more than €3.5bn each year until 2015, in order to effectively pursue our growth path.’

The company said it anticipates a slight increase in revenue in the years 2013 and 2014, not just from its targeted growth in unit sales, but also from the continuous improvements in productivity and processes initiated in the past, as well as from efficient corporate structures.

This will be underpinned by new models, such as the A3 sedan, which will strengthen its position in strategically important markets such as the United States and China, as well as more sporty RS models, including the RS 6 Avant and the RS 5 Cabriolet, which will also be launched in 2013.