Deliveries were particularly strong in China at 38.5%, the USA (+7.5%) and Europe (+8.6%).

Strong sales were also seen in Europe, where market conditions remain challenging. Demand in Spain rose by 8.6% to 2,754 units and in Italy by 3.9% to 3,767 units. In France, the company managed to maintain delivery totals on a par with the prior-year figure (4,011 units, +/-0 %). In Eastern Europe, the markets continued to perform well, with Russia driving growth, and Audi increased sales here by 19.8%, selling 1,725 units in total.

Sales chief Luca de Meo said: ‘Although the general economic situation in certain European countries remains challenging, we've managed to achieve a very successful start to the year in all regions of the world.’

He added: ‘Our popular SUV models and the new A3 family will help to continue our pattern of growth in 2013.’