...

Audi planning diesel and hybrid

Business Materials 17 January 2007 14:23 (UTC +04:00)
Audi planning diesel and hybrid

(autoinsidernews) - Audi of America has announced that it will launch diesel and hybrid versions of its Q7 SUV in 2008. The Q7 will be available with a 3.0L V6 TDI engine, and can also be used in Audi's A4 and A6, as well as the upcoming A5 coupe and Q5 SUV.

Because of the strict U.S. emissions requirements, the diesel engine used in this market had to be re-engineered to be sold in all 50 states. Audi of America had to foot the bill for the development work, said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president in charge of Audi, don't be surprised to see the engine offered in as many cars as possible to spread the costs around. Audi hasn't priced the Q7 diesel model, but the diesel's premium is estimated to be about $3,000 to $4,000 over a gasoline-powered car, reports Trend.

We know the market will not bear that kind of price premium, but we have taken the decision to go ahead with the program anyway, de Nysschen says. But he said that Audi will charge what the prevailing market price is for diesels, and may consider decontenting the Q7 to offset the cost of the diesel.

Audi expects diesels to hold 15 to 20 percent of the U.S. market in seven years, and doesn't want to be watching on the sidelines as the business takes off.

de Nysschen also plans to launch a hybrid version of the Q7. Audi is not that ecstatic about hybrids, it is just one of those things we have to do, he said.

Latest

Latest