Audi Expanding Into Uncharted Waters

Audi of America Inc. will unveil 15 new models by 2010, says Wolfgang Hoffmann, director of product management.

“Four or five of the new models will be in niches where we don’t play yet,” he says.

In an interview at the recent New York Auto Show here, Hoffmann tells Ward’s the cross/utility vehicle segment holds a lot of potential for Audi’s volume growth.

He also notes Audi’s Q7 CUV will get a hybrid-electric version powered by a gasoline engine next year. “We see the most (growth) potential in the Q7 at the moment,” he says.


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jon21 - 4/18/2007 1:27:23 PM

0 Boost

Welcome to the 21 century.

EnnNorak - 4/18/2007 2:19:54 PM

+2 Boost

I'll never buy a hybrid. As for diesel, that's another story. Always wanted to own a diesel and never did.

AudiLexus - 4/19/2007 12:28:29 AM

+4 Boost

You've never owned either and yet you want a diesel?

I've never owned either as well, but I'm not so quick to just write off hybrids just because it's not a German strongpoint yet.

I'd be very inclined to look at a Q7 Hybrid, after heavy consideration of an RX400h for some time now.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/18/2007 2:25:53 PM

-3 Boost

Apparently the Q7 3.0TDI is probably coming here, too. That will be a sweet SUV. GL320 CDI vs. Q7 TDI will be an interesting comparison.

IamEvilHomer - 4/18/2007 9:26:59 PM

+3 Boost

2009 model
my s6 lease ends just in time

S4cabriofoxone - 4/18/2007 10:57:57 PM

-2 Boost

You'd trade in a 435hp S6 for THAT?! A Q7! Are you crazy? At LEAST get it with S-Line...

LexusNumberOne4ever - 4/19/2007 8:03:21 AM

+2 Boost

That's Homer's personal decision.
I'm not sure about the RX-h though.

IamEvilHomer - 4/27/2007 2:47:25 PM

+1 Boost

yes i love the TDI and it is not a trade it is a lease ending

i love my S6 though/ one of the best cars on the road and probably one of the best "well rounded" sports cars

S4cabriofoxone - 4/18/2007 8:23:10 PM

-4 Boost

Oh, to add... I'm not sure how I feel about these "niche" segments. Are they at all profitable? Will they add substantial sales to the lineup? Will they get more buzz into the brand? What types of "niches" will they fill?

I can only hope that they don't make their own R-Class...

MookGmbH - 4/19/2007 12:29:47 PM

+1 Boost

So we are going to have the Hybrid-Four Door Coupe-Midsize-Crossover-SUV segment now. Damn...thats going to get heated. I'm all for Audi as long as they do not lose their focus.