Audi Says Unlike BMW It Doesn't Need A Minivan To Be Competitive

Audi says it does not need minivans to reach its target of 2 million annual sales -- in contrast to BMW, which has launched two compact minivans to help attract family buyers.

In a break with its focus on sporty sedans and SUVs, BMW introduced the five-seat 2-series Active Tourer in Europe late last year and will add the seven-seat 2-series Gran Tourer in June. Both are front-wheel drive, another break with tradition for BMW, which has no plans to sell the minivans in the U.S.

When asked whether Audi is working on a successor to the A2 as part of its plans to expand the product range to more than 60 models in the coming five years, development chief Ulrich Hackenberg said Audi will leave the segment to sister brand Volkswagen.

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GermanNut - 3/20/2015 2:54:25 PM

-1 Boost

This is why Audi, despite selling fewer models than BMW, has outsold BMW globally this year YTD. Audi is focused in its products and brand image.

GermanNut - 3/20/2015 2:54:34 PM

-1 Boost

This is why Audi, despite selling fewer models than BMW, has outsold BMW globally this year YTD. Audi is focused in its products and brand image.

MercedesSL - 3/20/2015 3:42:28 PM

+3 Boost

Audi is just relying on the polo.. I mean A1, a car that cost less than a Mini for easy volume. At least the 2 AT is priced and equipped to compete with cars like the a class, A3, and 1 series.

DTMFan - 3/20/2015 3:39:33 PM

+3 Boost

Lol, yeah, VW will just have them keep knocking out cheap A1's in order to maintain a sales lead.

Actually maybe I'm being cynical...

.. though I have to say, the GermanNut Audi propoganda machine is rapidly becoming the biggest reason why Audi are falling further behind in my affection of German 3, that and the scary thought the Q7 front end might be their new design direction.

Dr550 - 3/20/2015 4:18:54 PM

+1 Boost

Audi relies on the purchasing power of VW, just like Lexus with Toyota and Acura with Honda. This lowers the price of their respective sedans and SUV's which increases overall sales.

CarCrazedinCali - 3/20/2015 6:39:12 PM

+2 Boost

cool Audi, we really don't care, but thanks for expressing your dig on BMW publicly, real classy of you

gkearns56 - 3/21/2015 9:53:55 AM

+1 Boost

Because Audi says they don't want to enter in the Mini Van segment to the public, they are calling out BMW. Nike you better not tell Converse that you don't want to have canvas tennis/gym shoes (the good ole Chuckster's) since it may appear you would be calling out Converse, since you made a management decision not too. BMW's decision to build a minivan has no bearing on Audi's decision to build them. Audi is simply stating they don't want to get into that segment (since some stupid reporter probably ask them if they were). Don't read any more into the statement!!

CarCrazedinCali - 3/21/2015 2:50:05 PM

+1 Boost

it's a total dig at BMW in my view, sorry our views differ dude

carloslassiter - 3/21/2015 8:24:22 AM

+2 Boost

The few times I seriously considered buying an Audi, I visited the showroom and concluded that it wasn't that different than a loaded Accord.

So I bought a BMW.

dumpsty - 3/21/2015 10:45:10 AM

+3 Boost

No, none of the luxury automakers need minivans, but they should think about doing a 4-dr Sport Tourer....like the Chrys Pacifica & M-B R-classe. I know they upset the auto fanatics & purists but fill a niche with being in the mainstream of minivans. Despite being phased out, I see loads of old R-class (V6 & V8) all the time & there are still a good number of old Pacifica lingering around - both very useful vehicles that provides the benefits of a CUV & a minivan but not being either one.

Take a look at the Ford Flex...though it's on its way out, its a very convincing 7-passenger vehicle that sits low but is very roomy & versatile. You'd think that Lincoln could have benefited by selling a luxury version using the updated design styling. Also consider the Dodge Journey....also on its way out (really!), its a versatile vehicle that just needs to be updated to fit the current corporate designs.

HughJass - 3/25/2015 4:47:22 PM

+2 Boost

Doesn't Audi have a sub 30k A3 to inflate their sales numbers? Or a FWD A4 that costs almost as little.

I bet they sell more of these cheap tin cans than BMW would any mini van.