Positive sales result for the Four Rings for the half year: With around 953,200 units delivered, AUDI AG increased its sales since January by 5.6 percent, growing in all regions. The brand recorded strong growth especially in Europe. Sales in that region increased by 8.4 percent since the beginning of the year, topping 450,000 cars for the first time. Worldwide, especially the new models Audi A4 (+12.3%) and Audi Q7 full size SUV (+73,6%) pushed the sales performance. Deliveries across all models increased by 7.4 percent in June to around 169,000 units with Audi surpassing its performance from the same month last year in all top ten sales markets.
“Despite persisting challenges in key markets, the first half of 2016 was mainly characterized by globally balanced growth. We reinforced our market leadership in Europe and China and are performing better than the overall market in the United States,” says Dietmar Voggenreiter, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. “In the upcoming months, we will continue to strengthen our model portfolio with new technologies and concepts like the Audi Q7 e-tron*, the A6L e-tron, the SQ7 TDI* and the Q2.”
With the European market launch of the new Audi A5 in the fall and the updated Audi A3 this month, a generation change is in store for the already successful key models.
In June, Audi handed over around 78,700 (+9.8%) cars in Europe across all models. The company thus set new records for deliveries in each of the six months in this region. Cumulatively, sales increased by 8.4 percent to around 455,250 cars. New models, above all, provided a boost in Audi’s largest sales region: Sales of the Audi Q7 full‑size SUV more than doubled, while demand for the new Audi A4 climbed by almost 20 percent. The brand posted significant growth primarily in Germany (+12.4% to 166,154 units), Italy (+14.6% to 32,124 units) and Spain (+14.5% to 28,803 units). The manufacturer also made further gains in its largest European export market, the UK: up 4.1 percent to 89,935 cars. This increase was fueled in particular by strong demand for the Audi TT, which saw a 36 percent increase in deliveries in the United Kingdom. With sales of around 17,650 since January, the Audi TT secured its position as the top‑selling compact sports car in the premium segment.
On the American continent as well, deliveries of the Ingolstadt‑based brand increased in the last six months: up 3.5 percent to around 131,450 units. Of those, 96,934 were sold in the United States, also representing an increase of 3.5 percent. Nearly every second US customer chose an SUV. Cumulative sales of the Audi Q3, Q5 and Q7 thus climbed by 24 percent to 45,195 cars. Audi continued its successful course in the US market in June. A one percent increase marked the 66th month of growth in a row. Canada once again proved to be an important growth driver in the region. In the first half of the year, the company sold 15,614 units there, 16 percent more than in the same period last year.
Sales continued to develop positively in the Asia‑Pacific region as well. Compared to the deliveries in the first half of 2015, sales increased by 3.9 percent to around 339,300 premium cars sold. In recent months, Audi made gains in China primarily with its compact models: In the first six months, the company handed over 81,083 units of the Audi A3 and Q3 to customers, corresponding to an increase of 21.7 percent. Across all models, sales in China increased by 5.9 percent to 290,126 units. Demand increased by 6.6 percent in June. In addition to China, Australia also showed strong growth in the region: Since the beginning of the year, 12,155 units have entered the Australian market, up 7.2 percent.
Jamaican automotive company, ATL Autobahn has announced the appointment of Matthew Stevenson to the position of BMW and MINI Head of Business.
Stevenson joins the ATL Automotive team with a wealth of experience spanning over six years in the industry, where he most recently served as Brand Manager for Jaguar Land Rover at Stewart’s Auto Sales Limited. He will be based from the company’s temporary Orchard Road location while the state-of-the-art BMW and MINI facilities are created in Kingston and Montego Bay.
Chief Executive Officer of ATL Automotive Adam Stewart commented, ”Aside from a brief spell away, Matthew has spent several years in and around our group companies starting with Sandals Resorts International then cutting his automotive teeth at ATL Automotive. Individuals like Matthew are the future of the automotive industry in Jamaica; young, expert, hungry and dedicated to providing exemplary customer service – that’s what potential BMW and MINI owners demand and that’s what we provide. But there’s more to it than that. Our customers not only want great customer service, they want expert counsel based around their needs and desires which isn’t as common as one would think. “Taff” comes from a big automotive family so joins us with tremendous heritage in the industry. As many will know, His father Brian was hugely influential in making ATL Automotive the company it is today so it obviously runs in the family!”
Matt Cripps, Group General Manager of ATL Automotive said “We’re delighted to welcome Matthew back into the fold. He brings great energy, creative thinking and the insatiable love of cars that we look for in all of our team members.”
Stevenson commented, “It is a tremendous honour not just to return “home” to the ATL Group but to be given the responsibility of iconic brands such as BMW and MINI too. BMW is a hugely revered brand in Jamaica and rightly so, it’s been a top choice for car aficionados for decades and now boasts a diverse model line-up that offers something that will get everyone’s pulse racing. As it relates to MINI, we’ve got exciting plans for this marvelous brand in Jamaica; few people realise that MINI is one of the top five premium brands in the world and has some exciting launches coming this year. We expect it to really take off here.”
Mr. Stevenson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organisational Psychology & Human Resource Management as well as a Master of Business in Enterprise Management from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
JAMAICA’S leading automotive group, ATL Automotive created big waves both on and offline this week after unveiling one of the most creative marketing blitz ever. It featured an Audi Q5 driving 40 feet up the wall of Wyndham Kingston hotel, in the city’s financial district.
The awe-inspiring installation — conceptualised by Chief Executive Officer Adam Stewart with the company’s marketing team — was created to demonstrate the legendary gripping power of ‘quattro’, the all-wheel-drive system perfected by German car makers Audi, and to coincide with the arrival of 2017 Audi Q5 units, Jamaica’s number one premium mid-size SUV. “This strategy was so fitting for Audi. Not only did it show off the greater traction and dynamic ability of Audi’s unique quattro AWD feature, but stayed true to the company’s ethos of progression and creativity in design.
At ATL Automotive, we like to push the boundaries too. Anyone can take a standard billboard, and we do, but the buzz we’ve seen since on the streets and on social media since we executed this has been incredible.
The term ‘raising the bar’ never seemed so appropriate, and I congratulate my marketing team on continuing to disrupt and challenge the norm. Watch what we’ve got up our sleeves next!” said Stewart. “The Audi view is that it doesn’t matter how big the engine is: its power first has to be channelled via the wheels before reaching the road. What quattro does is send power to the wheels that need it the most at any given time. Basically asking the question, why power just two wheels when a car has four?” the CEO continued.
The six-month project saw the ATL team fibreglass an existing Audi Q5, paint and brand it before engaging expert local sign company, Signarama, to build a specially reinforced bracket on the unit itself before fixing it 40 feet up the exterior of the hotel. Over seven million models with quattro® technology have been built to date, making Audi the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars with permanent all-wheel drive. From compact cars to saloons to supercars, quattro is synonymous with legendary traction, sure handling and a unique and exclusive brand of driving pleasure. The quattro, permanent, all-wheel-drive system splits drive power between the front and rear wheels to optimum effect.
This enables an Audi fitted with quattro to keep making safe progress with ease in situations where two-wheel drive vehicles no longer have any forward traction, such as on slippery surfaces or loose terrain. “Special mention and thanks must go to the Kevin Hendrickson and his management team at the Wyndham Kington hotel, who immediately bought into what we were trying to achieve and supported us every step of the way,” Stewart added. The latest delivery of 2017 Audi Q5 models is expected to land in Jamaica at the end of May. Starting price $8,795,000.00.
Honda, the brand Jamaica knows and continues to love, sold a record-breaking 118 units in April; a first without a major sale involved. The popular CR-V and its sister model, the HR-V, were the most popular models with a combined total of 109 units. Other units sold were the Civic, City and Fit.
With achieving almost 50% over target, Sam McKenzie, Head of Business commended his team “Here at Honda, it’s a team effort that is driven by passion. From the sales team to the finance advisors to our after sales group at the service, parts and body shop – they all create magic by working closely together as one unit to ensure our customers know they are our top priority. It’s more than just a job for us; at the end of the day, when we assist our customers achieve their dream car, its sheer joy”.
Honda has maintained prominent brand presence in the automotive market as Jamaica’s leading premium Japanese brand thanks to unbeatable service, top-notch aftersales service, easy access to parts, and models maintaining the industry’s best resale value. In 2015, Honda had a 30% increase in sales compared to the previous calendar year.
“Our customers know that when they’re buying a Honda, they’re investing in reliability, safety and resellability for them and their families. It’s the brand Jamaicans have trusted for decades.” McKenzie continued.
Group General Manager, Matthew Cripps, expressed his gratitude to the Honda team for their hard work in growing the brand to where it is now. “Not only is it our team who’s exceptional, but our customers as well. It’s their trust in us and with Honda that inspires us to continue to serve them better”.
Honda’s showroom, located at 47-49 Hagley Park Road, Kingston 10 is currently undergoing renovations to upgrade the location with new state of the art facilities to ensure customers receive first class comfort during the sale and aftersales of their vehicle.
Highly impressed by ATL Automotive’s use of CitNOW videos and the personalised value it contributes to the customer experience, Volkswagen Commercial has confirmed plans to implement this social media platform as a best practice programme across the rest of the Caribbean region. On a recent visit to Jamaica, executives from Volkswagen Commercial Miami were introduced by ATL Automotive Limited to the personalized video presentation software. The CitNOW social tool, is used in Jamaica exclusively by ATL Automotive, and was integrated into the company’s operations as a means of engaging customers through innovative, video technology. CitNOW is used daily by ATL Automotive’s sales representatives to showcase the versatility and functionality of the company’s models to prospective customers and also by its technical team, to document vehicle diagnosis and servicing.
https://us.citnow.com/vpFvNJC0C3r
The 2016 Volkswagen Saveiro caused a stir last weekend at the ATL Automotive Volkswagen Road Show in Portmore Pines, St. Catherine. Brazils most awarded pick up shone brightly in its Jamaica debut as an affordable model with a unique appearance while also providing an excellent driving experience.
The Volkswagen Saveiro sets the standard for security, performance, technology and carries a spacious interior with plenty of leg- and head-room. The model continues to impress with Volkswagen’s ability to combine simplicity with elegance and quickly earned numerous awards from Autoesporte magazine’s jury, and the Brazilian press.
The model was also voted “Best Pickup” by the Brazilian Association of Automotive Press, in a jury of 60 specialist journalists and “Pickup of the Year” at the Top Car TV 2014 award. Christopher DaCosta, Head of Business, Volkswagen Jamaica states “I am excited about the possibilities for the Volkswagen Saveiro, it’s easily Jamaica’s most affordable pick up. With an introductory price of $2.595M the Saveiro boast a 1.6L engine, 5 speed manual transmission complemented by an Unbeatable 3 year/100km service warranty.”
Due to its versatility, superior design and make the 2016 Volkswagen Saveiro will meet the needs of our farmers, distribution companies and small business owners while also serving as an excellent dual use vehicle. You can experience the Volkswagen Saveiro for yourself by calling 1-888-ATL-SERV and book your test drive at 3 Oxford Road Kingston 5 or Bogue City Centre Montego Bay.
ATL Automotive has been serving Jamaica for over a decade and has set the benchmark for automobile services and changing the face of motoring in Jamaica forever. ATL Automotive, the exclusive dealer of Volkswagen in Jamaica.
ATL Automotive have set Jamaican motorists hearts racing once again after announcing an exclusive partnership to bring iconic carmaker Porsche, one of the world’s most sought after brands, to Jamaica.
The Porsche brand enjoys a phenomenal reputation throughout the world and is considered home to some of the finest performance and luxury vehicles in the world making it a hugely impressive and exclusive addition to the ATL Automotive stable. Available to the Jamaican market from May, the announcement also marks the creation of two state-of-the-art sales and service facilities on Oxford Road, Kingston and in Bogue, Montego Bay. Construction is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
Adam Stewart, Chief Executive Officer for the ATL Group commented, “For 65 years, the Porsche brand has become legendary for producing some of the world’s finest cars and is a great addition to the ATL Automotive family. This high value, premium brand fits perfectly with our existing Volkswagen Group brands – Audi and Volkswagen – while representing a never-seen-before exclusivity in Jamaica. These automobiles are simply stunning and will be available for Jamaica’s most discerning motorists.”
With Porsche, form always follows function, each vehicle is designed to be a beautiful, functional and performance driven machine that can function as the perfect sports car or an everyday vehicle. Matthew Cripps, Group General Manager for ATL Automotive commented, “Porsche has proven itself as one of the world’s most progressive car brands time and time again and has expanded their scope to provide drivers with various automotive options, whilst maintaining their unique design, innovative solutions and luxury and performance standards. From May, we will be proud to offer Jamaica a diverse range of models including a sports sedan in the Panamera, a compact crossover in the Macan, a midsize SUV in the Cayenne and coupes in the legendary 911 and the Cayman – all backed by highly trained technicians and the first rate aftersales support these cars and their owners deserve.”
The news signals a successful period for both organisations. With Porsche coming off a record breaking year in 2015 having delivered over 200,000 vehicles to its customers worldwide while ATL Automotive recently shook up the market with the addition of BMW and MINI to their newly formed ATL Autobahn division which opened its doors on Monday.
Audi is revealing the new Audi Q2* at the Geneva International Motor Show. The compact SUV is an urban-type vehicle for everyday driving and recreation, uniting a progressive design with a high level of functionality. Connectivity, infotainment and assistance systems are on level of full-size class.
Automotive company ATL Automotive are set to sign an agreement this week after being named Regional Master Dealers for BMW and MINI in Jamaica and eight countries throughout the Caribbean.
The regional appointment, a first ever for a Jamaican automotive company, followed a nine-month tender process that saw ATL Automotive overcome international bids from across Europe and the Americas.
On 3rd March 2016, ATL Automotive will take direct control of the sales and aftersales of BMW and MINI in Jamaica and will play a regional management role in an additional eight other countries: Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, Cayman, Curacao, Barbados, Aruba, Saint Lucia and Suriname starting from 1st April.
Adam Stewart, Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman commented, “This a tremendous moment for ATL Automotive and perfectly caps a year of long-term strategic planning that saw us make bold decisions, with our customers at the centre, on where we saw the future of the automotive industry going. This appointment has come to fruition because of our drive, peerless regional know how and good, old fashioned endeavour; great credit must go to the minds and management of the ATL Automotive team. We are delighted not just to be appointed, but to headquarter this regional operation right here in Kingston is huge and a great testament to the talent we have here in Jamaica.
Similarly to when Sandals ventured outside of Jamaica to Antigua in 1991, this is just the first step in the realization of ATL Automotive’s own regional ambitions and who better to do it with two of the world’s finest automotive brands?” Stewart continued.
BMW/MINI Jamaica is set to be operated as an entirely separate company, ATL Autobahn will be celebrated with the construction of two world-class, state-of-the-art sales and service facilities in the country’s capital Kingston, and for the first time ever, Montego Bay.
In addition to providing world class sales and service to Jamaican motorists, ATL Automotive/Autobahn will serve as a central hub to include the distribution of cars and parts, service support, regional marketing initiatives as well as the central training ground via the company’s revered ATL Academy of Excellence.
“Aside from our new role in Jamaica, we’ll be working closely with the existing dealer network, some of the best automotive dealers in the Caribbean, and supporting them with a full suite of our services. Whether it’s regional sales and aftersales support, game changing marketing initiatives or comprehensive training programmes, our mandate is to drive the BMW and MINI brands throughout the region. BMW and MINI are two of the most celebrated brands in Jamaica and existing and future drivers are at the forefront of our planning. We’ll be working hand-in-glove with the outgoing dealers, Stewart Autosales, to ensure the smoothest transition possible so that our mutual customers receive the highest level of care imaginable and practically an invisible transition for them. We thank Stewart’s Autosales for their professionalism and BMW for sharing our vision.” Stewart concluded.
Existing BMW and MINI customers will have their service inclusive packages and new car warranties continued to be fully honoured by BMW and MINI.
ATL Automotive was formed in 1997 as the authorized new car distributor for leading car giant Honda, and while serving Jamaica for over a decade has set the benchmark for automobile sales and service in the island. With the recent introduction of more world class brands to the family, ATL Automotive now encompasses several divisions exclusively distributing the world’s finest automobile brands, from state-of-the-art showrooms and service facilities in Kingston and Montego Bay, strengthening its undisputed position as the country’s foremost automotive group and changing the face of motoring in Jamaica forever.
