Our Expert's Reply
Iain Carmichael
head of fleet sales
Audi
QUESTION
Why are car prices rising in this market?
I read your story on Audi prices rising (More standard equipment, but Audi prices rise). I've been holding off getting a car because I expected prices to go down given the state of the market. So why are they going up?
Heather Lodge, self-employed, Cardiff
ANSWER
The reason is a simple one: it’s the devaluation of the pound against the euro. As the pound now buys less, the cost of goods imported from Europe increases.
Alas, cars are not immune from this economic fact. And Audi isn’t the only car manufacturer putting up prices. It’s across the board, from mainstream car makers, such as Ford and Vauxhall, to the premium makes, as well.
However, at Audi we have tried to mitigate the increase by including specification upgrades. For example, you could buy an Audi A4 SE and receive a free upgrade to the higher Executive SE grade. So, although the car might cost more, the value is better.
