Audi sets sights on Southeast Asia

Audi sets sights on Southeast Asia

SINGAPORE: German carmaker Audi is setting its sights on up to 20 percent of Southeast Asia luxury car market after it sets up production facilities in the region, an executive said in a published report on Wednesday.

Luxury car sales in the three major markets -- Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia -- totaled about 21,000 units or about 4 percent of the total passenger auto market in these countries last year.

Ralph Weyler, Audi board member in charge of marketing and sales, told The Business Times the Ingolstadt-based company will decide in the coming months to either build a manufacturing plant on its own or do so with a joint-venture partner in Thailand, Malaysia or Indonesia.

He acknowledged rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW have a headstart with established production facilities in Thailand. -- DPA