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It only took three months for Audi to realize that the upcoming Audi A1 may do well in the U.S. market. Back in early July, Audi’s boss Rupert Stadler said that American still want big cars, but big cars that are more fuel-efficient so there will be no A1 for the U.S. Then with the rest of us, he saw pickups, SUVs, large-sedans segment sales drop. Well, it may be time to reconsider.

At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Audi showed its A1 Sportback concept, a first look at a hybrid 5-door Audi A1. We’re glad to say that the production version could hit U.S. roads. When? We would say sometime around early 2010. Will it be a hybrid like the concept? We highly doubt it.

“A year ago, I would have said no,” Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s worldwide sales and marketing boss, told Automotive News. “I did not see any trend in the U.S. which showed me that small cars could have a lasting, sustainable chance. I think this has changed. Therefore, we definitely have to reconsider the A1.”

Click here to learn all the details on the Audi A1 Sportback concept.

Live from Paris 2008: Audi A1 Sportback concept:

Audi A1 Sportback concept:

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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