Audi delivers 492,000 cars to China in 2013

German car producer Audi AG delivers nearly 492,000 cars in 2013 to China, over a fifth more than in the previous year, Audi chairman of the board of management announced on Tuesday at the annual press conference.

"Our lead in China is bigger than ever before. We gained major impetus from our local production, which we expand step by step with new models," Chairman Rupert Stadler said.

In 2013, the four rings has delivered more than 1.57 million cars, 8.3 percent more than in 2012, with 49.9 billion euros (69.2 billion U.S. dollars)revenue, 5.03 billion euros operating profit and 10.1 percent operating return on sales, according to the annual report.

With around 1.57 million cars, Audi achieved new record sales and reached the target it had set itself for 2015, two years earlier than planned.

"1.57 million automobiles: bumper to bumper, this Audi fleet would stretch from Ingolstadt almost to Beijing." Stadler added. "And in China, we aim to be the first premium manufacturer to sell more than half a million cars this year."

In addtion, Audi will produce for the first time more cars abroad than in Germany in 2014.

"2013 was an extraordinary year and we remain on course for success in 2014," Stadler concluded.