Audi CEO says A1 isn’t ready for the U.S.

Back in October 2008, Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s worldwide sales and marketing boss, told Automotive News that the Audi A1 is being reconsidered for the United States. Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen said today that he believes the North American market isn’t ready for a premium subcompact such as the A1.

De Nysschen told Automotive News that the German automaker is “seriously looking” at bringing the A1 to the United States - in six...
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BMWGino - 2/4/2009 11:20:39 AM

-4 Boost

Toyota is like non-German so it is automatically inferior. Why you would debate this is beyond me, like most things are. I only know that like German cars are the best because someone told me and it was verified by my German car magazine. By the way, I should know, I drive a 1995 BMW 318ti, feel the power baby!

Willis - 2/4/2009 11:33:50 AM

+9 Boost

To both of you morons above me: STFU.

veyron1001 - 2/4/2009 10:48:54 PM

+1 Boost

BMWgino how can you feel so mighty when you drive an ass less 1.8 or 1.9 litre 4 cylinder 3 series? It makes as I can recall 110~125bhp. Your car will be out paced by a 90s 250cc motorcycle interstate racing and on the track.

BMWGino - 2/4/2009 11:32:43 PM

-3 Boost

Veyron, join me for a "Night at the Roxbury" and you will understand where I am coming from.

AlexTx - 2/4/2009 10:49:31 AM

+3 Boost

Mmmmm.. like..... you don't know what you are talking about...
The IQ is like much cheaper because.. like, it is cheaper built...
And why the hell are you comparing the IQ to the A1??

mini22 - 2/4/2009 11:49:14 AM

0 Boost

Funny-I wonder if the Audi CEO has ever heard of "Mini".A well optioned Cooper S is over 30 grand. Mini has certainly had no trouble selling them. Perhaps Audi does not feel the A1 is competative enough with Mini in driving dynamics. Further it could be that with VW selling the GTI and perhaps the Sirroco over here that the premium small hatchback market is already saturated. I should also mention the possibility that the Fiat 500 and Alfa Mito will be here in less then 24 months if the Chrysler/Fiat deal goes through. I think the real reason is market saturation.

1evlaudi - 2/4/2009 10:36:28 PM

+3 Boost

willis, could not agree more with you. A 318ti from 1995 has 138hp, can you say feel the 'lack" of power. Top speed 116mph... oh yeah baby.

LOL

1evlaudi - 2/4/2009 10:41:02 PM

+3 Boost

Mini22, although your argument is valid, the Mini sales because it is a... Mini. Not a BMW. even if owned by BMW, this is the name Mini and that makes a difference. Not counting the tradition in the name. Very honestly and humbly he is saying that selling such a little car in the US might not work for Audi and for what the brand wants to accomplish here in the US. It is debatable, like everything else in life.

personally , I like it, especially with the 1.4L/hybrid drivetrain.

veyron1001 - 2/4/2009 10:51:26 PM

+1 Boost

With that price tag around 20k US the A1 will only be a fashion accessory. Nice car though.