2010 Audi reported the largest profit in company history, surpassing rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW, and is expected to remain in the competition as a result of rapid growth in the Chinese market.

Volumes, revenues and profits were all at record levels last year, thanks mainly to China, where sales have exceeded the German market with 1,000 vehicles.

"We want to deliver more than 1.2 million vehicles to customers worldwide this year, and thus to continue the success in the record year 2010," said Rupert Stadler, Audi's CEO. "At this point the only thing that makes the competition (in China) is to follow, and I hope to remain so."

China and Germany have totaled just over a quarter of Audi sales. "We reach maximum capacity (in China) and as soon as we are to meet demand there, waiting time in Europe and other markets is already very high," said Stadler.

The biggest market for Audi in 2010 in units, with the percentage difference from 2009:

• Germany: 228,157 (0.1%)
• China: 227,938 (43.4%)
• U.S.: 101,629 (22.9%)
• UK: 99,705 (10.2%)
• Overall: 1,092,411 (15%)

Audi has generated over 3.5 billion profit last year, bringing liquidity to the quarter to 13.4 billion at the end of December 2010. Audi says that it maintained its profit margin last year, they rose 4% to 9.4%. For comparison, Mercedes has earned a profit margin of 8.7% last year, while BMW is expected to report a lower margin of 7.7%.

Source: http://www.audi.com/