Audi's car sales rise to monthly record as U.S. surge offsets weaker Europe, China

FRANKFURT -- Audi said its vehicle sales increased 4.4 percent in March to 177,950, the highest level for any month in the carmaker's history, as surging volume in the U.S. offset a slowing Europe and China and a decline in Russia.

Audi's U.S. deliveries were up 20 percent last month to 17,102 the company said in statement today. Sales rose 1.5 percent to 48,356 in China, Audi's No. 1 market. In Europe, volume increased 2.2 percent to 90,650. Deliveries in Russia’s struggling market slipped 30 percent to 2,630.

First-quarter deliveries were up 6.1 percent to a record 438,250 cars, Audi said, citing strong demand for the A3 compact series, the Q3 SUV and the A6 sedan.

Daimler's Mercedes-Benz brand last week posted record March deliveries of 183,467, up 16 percent to bring its quarterly tally to 429,602, a rise of 15 percent.

Luxury-sales leader BMW has not yet published March and quarterly sales figures.