Audi AG said deliveries in China rose 6 percent year on year in January to 54,402 vehicles, as strong crossover demand propped up the results.
Last month, sales of the Audi Q5 midsize crossover jumped more than 33 percent to 11,670.
Audi retained its status as China's top-selling luxury brand, but its rivals are closing the gap.
No. 2 BMW AG said sales rose 8.4 percent in January to 43,441 vehicles. And No. 3 Mercedes-Benz said deliveries soared 52 percent last month to 42,671.
Audi still is trying to shake off the hangover from China's economic slowdown last summer. Last year, Audi sales fell 1.4 percent from 2014 to 578,932.
The automaker once was the brand of choice for Chinese government officials. But Beijing has warned party members to avoid conspicuous consumption, and Audi's share of government fleet sales has declined.
The brand has tried to attract affluent women by expanding the number of colors and finishes, and advertising in fashion magazines.
Source:Automotive News China