Audi sales soar as luxury segment increases in U.S

The nation's recession has slowed Audi of America's plans to more than double its sales by the middle of the decade.
But as luxury sales start to pick up again, the German brand is standing out among its competitors.

Audi's U.S. sales have soared 35% so far this year -- the largest jump among luxury brands.

As the nation's economic troubles begin to wear off, Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi of America, said Audi is in "a position of unprecedented strength."

The company's American division posted the best first-quarter sales in its history. Globally, Audi outsold luxury competitor Mercedes-Benz during the first quarter, de Nysschen said Monday during a speech to the Automotive Press Association in Detroit.

Audi models are moving quickly, de Nysschen said. "We've been running short since August last year."

Overall, the luxury segment is picking up. Luxury vehicle sales, which fell 19% last year, are up nearly 4% through March, according to Autodata.