For the first time the company’s history, German carmaker Audi AG has sold half a million vehicles in the first half of the year (January to June).

Over 509,000 vehicles were delivered to customers worldwide–up 9.8% year-on-year from 463,508 in the same period of 2006.

The company achieved record sales in 41 markets worldwide in the first half of 2007. Sales in Europe increased 7.4% to 372,300 vehicles, by 13.3% to reach 56,600 in North and South America, by 21.6% to 65,800 in Asia-Pacific, and improved 31.4% in the Middle East to reach 3,223.