Audi considers compact A1 for the U.S. market

Audi considers A1 for the U.S. market

Audi recently unveiled their new Audi Metroproject Quattro Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. The concept is said to be the first design study of the upcoming Audi A1. It is now reported that Audi is considering the car for the U.S. market despite the slow sales of its compact A3.

“There is absolutely a potential for that kind of vehicle in America,” Rupert Stadler, Audi’s CEO, said at the Tokyo Motor Show. “With the A3, we have demonstrated that we can develop a new segment.”

The production of the A1 is scheduled to begin in 2009 and Stadler believes the vehicles could do wonders for Audi in the U.S. market in the B segment. If the Audi A1 does make it to the U.S., the compact car will be a direct rival to the BMW 1-Series, which arrives in dealerships this spring.

Stadler says that Americans have always viewed small cars like the A1 as cheap and inexpensive. However with the success of the Mini Cooper and the Smart ForTwo hitting the roads in the U.S. in January, Stadler believes the Audi A1 could appeal to the U.S. consumers.

Audi is expected to unveil the baby-SUV version of the Q7, known to be badged the Q5, next week at the LA Auto Show.

 

Audi Metroproject Quattro Concept Gallery:

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Source: AutoWeek

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