Audi has confirmed that it is considering a new flagship Q9 SUV, but the company has dismissed rumors about a VW Up-based city car with the four-ring logo.
“There is no need for a car below A1 in the range. We are quite happy with A1. It sells 120,000 units, and has a high degree of equipment and accessories, so profit margins are quite good,” Audi CEO Rupert Stadler was quoted as saying by CAR magazine.
However, when it comes to SUVs, Audi can’t get enough of them and is looking to place a range-topping Q9 above the Q7 (pictured). “We want to expand the SUV side of the business. By 2020, our Q-models will account for over 45 percent of sales,” Stadler said.
The executive isn’t worried that Audi may be too late to the large-SUV party, with sister companies Bentley and Lamborghini already confirming their SUVs, as well as BMW with the X7 and Land Rover with the Range Rover long-wheelbase, which is already available on the market.
“If we do a Q9, it will not be because of what our rivals are doing,” Stadler told the UK publication, adding that the vehicle would be offered with an e-tron plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Of course, that is, if and when the model will be launched.
By Dan Mihalascu
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