Audi’s diesel launched in the United States with the introduction of new diesel variants of no less than four models, namely the Audi to Debut A4, A6, Q5 and A8 Diesels.With around 186,850 vehicles delivered and a rise of 21.6 percent over the first two months, AUDI AG is on its way to achieving the most successful first quarter in its history in terms of sales.
The first new implementations of TDI clean diesel will be in the A6 and A8 sedans, as well as the Q5 crossover. All three of these models are expected to have hybrid variants, as well, meaning customers will have a full range of powertrain options in the coming years.
Audi’s diesel lineup will be released gradually, with the A8 and A6 luxury sedans to get their clean diesels engines in the next 24 to 30 months. The Q5 is likely to be upgraded with the new engine in the same timeframe as well, but Audi is also preparing a hybrid version of the crossover SUV. The A4 on the other hand will get a diesel option much later, after the debut of the new generation, probably in 2014 or 2015.
He was a bit more evasive about the fate of the Audi A3 sedan concept shown earlier this month at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show. The car previews the 2012 Audi A3. "We vacated the position that was occupied by the (smaller) original A4 model," de Nysschen said. "We needed a car to fill that market niche. The concept found great favor. I certainly think it gives us confidence this is the right decision. It is in the engineering process. We will just have to wait for the arrival of this newcomer conceived with the U.S. market in mind."
