German premium carmaker Audi today unveiled the compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) Audi Q3 at the ongoing 11th Auto Expo, and expects to sell more than 8,000 units this year.

Besides Q3, the automaker also displayed A3 e-tron concept, the sporty Audi S6 limousine, and diesel SUV Audi Q7 V12.

India is a key strategic market for Audi and we are making a clear long-term statement in the country with ambitious expansion plans, Audi AG member of the Board Management Peter Schwarzenbauer said here.

Now, we are starting the next chapter of our success story...As a true premium SUV, the Audi Q3 leads the way for the Four Rings to enter a new segment in India, with ever increasing customer groups demanding for premium mobility in a compact form, he added.

On sales forecast, Mr Schwarzenbauer said, In 2012, we expect our sales in India to be over 8,000 units and in the next 10 years we are looking at an annual sales of 50,000 units .

In 2011, Audi India sold 5,511 cars, against 3,003 units in the previous year, a growth of 84 per cent.

Mr Schwarzenbauer said the automaker will consider assembling more models in India which has helped the company in a big way, adding it has taken a decision to assemble Q7 by the year-end.

Commenting on Q3 model, he said, We are introducing the Q3 in India and are hopeful of a good response and if that s the case we may consider assembling it as well here in India but it is too early to talk about it.

Currently, Audi assembles sedans A4 and A6 and the SUV Q5 at the Aurangabad plant of VW group firm Skoda.

Bollywood actors Katrina Kaif and Lisa Ray were also present at the launch.

Audi model range in India includes Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A7 Sportback, Audi A8L, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi RS5 Coupé, the super sports car Audi R8 and the Audi R8 Spyder.