According to full-year figures from LTA, BMW retained its number one spot last year for the most number of cars sold, at 5,039 cars with Mercedes-Benz trailing behind - with a difference of 716 cars.

Audi on the other hand came in third for a premium brand and fifth overall with 1,679 cars, a 20.5% decrease in comparison to sales figures from 2011.

Yet, Audi is undeterred and aims to take the top spot, though it admits it will take time. Mr. Axel Strotbek, board member for Finance and Organisation of Audi AG, tells media, "We have a way to go. There is a clear target for us in the medium to long-term to become No. 1, but we will not make that within just a year or so." He also noted how the situation in Singapore is challenging as BMW and Mercedes have been here for a longer time and has a stronger brand presence.

Audi has been progressing rather well in the global scene as it overtook Mercedes in 2011 and came close to BMW in terms of sales figures. The rise in progress for Audi is credited to the four-ringed automakers heavy investment in Research and Technology (R&D). Annually, the carmaker spends up to S$4.1 billion on R&D into new products.

As Audi eyes the global number one spot by 2020, Mr. Strotbek described Singapore to be 'a key strategic market' for the premium German marque. He added the opening of the new Audi Centre here is a significant milestone for the brands further development in the South-East Asian region.