Audi considers compact A1 for the U.S. market
11-08-07, 07:53 AM
#1
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Audi considers compact A1 for the U.S. market
Audi considers compact A1 for the U.S. market
November 7th, 2007
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.
November 7th, 2007
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.
11-08-07, 08:15 AM
#4
BMW can get away with it because they don't have an "economy" line-up (I wouldn't consider the MINI an economy car).
Audi does have an economy line-up through VW. I think they will do better by leaving the cheaper and smaller vehicles to VW, and let Audi maintain its reputation for luxurious and sporty vehicles.
I don't think the A1 will enhance nor provide a better name-brand reputation for Audi...
Audi does have an economy line-up through VW. I think they will do better by leaving the cheaper and smaller vehicles to VW, and let Audi maintain its reputation for luxurious and sporty vehicles.
I don't think the A1 will enhance nor provide a better name-brand reputation for Audi...
11-08-07, 09:11 AM
#5
Lexus Champion
BMW can get away with it because they don't have an "economy" line-up (I wouldn't consider the MINI an economy car).
Audi does have an economy line-up through VW. I think they will do better by leaving the cheaper and smaller vehicles to VW, and let Audi maintain its reputation for luxurious and sporty vehicles.
I don't think the A1 will enhance nor provide a better name-brand reputation for Audi...
Audi does have an economy line-up through VW. I think they will do better by leaving the cheaper and smaller vehicles to VW, and let Audi maintain its reputation for luxurious and sporty vehicles.
I don't think the A1 will enhance nor provide a better name-brand reputation for Audi...
11-08-07, 09:20 AM
#6
Lexus Champion
That interior looks pretty cool in a techy sort of way. I can definitely see that as a quirky competitive car to the Cooper, but not the 1 series.
The lack of a B-pillar is very interesting. I wonder if that would carry over to the real design or if it's just to make the concept look neat? If it's really intended to be designed that way I wonder what they changed structurally to allow for a lack of support there? Obviously a great candidate for a convertible model since the chassis is already OK without the B-pillar.
The lack of a B-pillar is very interesting. I wonder if that would carry over to the real design or if it's just to make the concept look neat? If it's really intended to be designed that way I wonder what they changed structurally to allow for a lack of support there? Obviously a great candidate for a convertible model since the chassis is already OK without the B-pillar.
11-08-07, 09:23 AM
#7
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BMW can get away with it because they don't have an "economy" line-up (I wouldn't consider the MINI an economy car).
Audi does have an economy line-up through VW. I think they will do better by leaving the cheaper and smaller vehicles to VW, and let Audi maintain its reputation for luxurious and sporty vehicles.
I don't think the A1 will enhance nor provide a better name-brand reputation for Audi...
Audi does have an economy line-up through VW. I think they will do better by leaving the cheaper and smaller vehicles to VW, and let Audi maintain its reputation for luxurious and sporty vehicles.
I don't think the A1 will enhance nor provide a better name-brand reputation for Audi...
I honestly believe Audi doesn't do better in the US simply because the American public never really sees their vehicles on the streets. They need more brand recognition here and if it means going downmarket to get the public more aware of their other products, then so be it.
Oh and I doubt most people even realize that Volkswagen is the "economy line" for Audi anyway, so I don't think offering this vehicle would cannibalize their sales much, if at all.
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