With growing interest in its third full month, the Audi Q5 luxury crossover vehicle surpassed its previous monthly sales record with 1,413 units sold in May. The strong retail demand for the Q5 can also be seen by the quick turnaround in inventory at dealerships throughout the country.

Also continuing its strength in 2009, the Audi A5 sales increased over last year by more than 59.5 percent, due to 716 units sold this May. The A5 has recorded 3,150 total units sold in 2009, surpassing the total sales from 2008 during the same period by 48.4 percent.

“Consumers once again proved that when you offer the right product — sporty, yet sophisticated, design with exceptional dynamic character — sales will follow, no matter the economic headwinds,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “Industry sales this month continue to show that the nation has not yet turned the corner, but I see signs that consumers are interested, as both showroom and internet traffic are up.”

The Audi TDI clean diesel SUV showed promising signs in a limited release during May. The Audi Q7 TDI surpassed 350 sales in May, representing 44 percent of total Q7 sales. Total sales for the Audi Q7 reached 795, which is an 18% increase over last month and the best sales month of 2009 for the model.

Audi recorded 2,839 Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) units sold in May, and has now exceeded 13,358 CPO sales in 2009.

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1. New Audi Q5 Named 2009 Top Safety Pick

Results from rigorous IIHS testing released today showed the 2009 Audi Q5 received a “good” rating in all three crash measurements: side impact, offset frontal and rear impact seat tests. The five-star ratings that the Audi Q5 received from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) represent the top marks possible in front and side crash tests.

The Audi Q5 earned five-star ratings for driver and passenger protection in NHTSA frontal crash tests, and five-star ratings for front and rear protection in NHTSA side impact crash tests.

“Audi engineers place unwavering emphasis on the protection of motorists and their passengers,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “These outstanding ratings for the Audi Q5 confirm our intent to meet the most rigorous safety standards found anywhere in the world.”

To qualify for the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of “good” in the Institute’s front, side, and rear tests and must be equipped with electronic stability control, which Audi installs as standard equipment on every model it produces. The Q5 joins the A3, A4, A6 and Q7 as Audi models that have merited IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.

The Audi commitment to safety goes beyond crash test safety ratings to include a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features. Every Audi sold in the U.S. has standard four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), an electronic stability program, daytime running lights (DRL) and a standard tire pressure monitoring system. The Audi Q5 also features quattro permanent all-wheel standard on all models, providing high levels of active safety and traction on virtually any surface. All of these features are designed to help reduce the chances of a collision.

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