Audi Banking On Major Model Expansion To Fuel US Sales In 2012

Audi will add models to feed U.S. passion for sedans and sport-utility vehicles and gain ground on market leaders Daimler AG (DAI) and Bayerische Motoren Werke AG. (BMW)

Audi will use the Detroit motor show next week to unveil a concept “Vail” version of the compact Q3 SUV for the U.S. market and plans to build a sedan version of the A3 hatchback after the newest model comes to market this year, Chief Executive Officer Rupert Stadler said in an interview.

U.S. growth is critical to efforts by Audi, the top seller in western Europe and China, to replace BMW (BMW) as the world’s largest luxury-car maker by 2015. The Volkswagen AG (VOW) brand took a step forward last year by delivering more cars worldwide than Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz for the first time. In the U.S., BMW and Mercedes sell more than twice as many cars as Audi (VOW3).



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chewy - 1/6/2012 7:33:12 PM

+1 Boost

I think the Vail concept will be more than just a slightly modified Q3 for the American market. The Q3 isn't supposed to come to the US in its first generation so I don't see a need to develop a modified version for the US, unless it is of the next generation A3 platform. I am thinking it will be a concept to preview next generation of Audi SUV styling with the next Q7 taking styling cues?

chewy - 1/6/2012 11:25:40 PM

+1 Boost

Nevermind, looks like it will be a Q3 with some extra bling. I hope there is something else as well, maybe refreshed R8.

CarCrazedinCali - 1/6/2012 10:08:11 PM

+2 Boost

Q3 and A1 won't do it Audi, sorry, both ugly... Besides, who cares who sells the most cars, it's who makes the best ones that matters and it isn't Audi

MeanVulcan - 1/9/2012 10:45:16 AM

-1 Boost

LOL, sure, when your brand's sales leadership is in serious jeopardy then somehow, sales are no longer important. Hahahahaha! Thanks for the laugh!