Audi: Bringing diesel cars to the US?

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Audi: Bringing diesel cars to the US?

AutoWeek is citing Audi sources that the introduction of diesel-powered cars in the US market is seriously considered in Ingolstadt. Also in the talks are hybrids. Both could be accomplished with Audi's new performance SUV, the Audi Q7.

Audi, which plans to introduce a hybrid version of its Q7 SUV in the United States in 2008, also is considering a diesel version.

Audi has not had a diesel-powered vehicle in the United States since it offered a turbocharged diesel with an automatic transmission in the 1982-83 Audi 5000.

"We're strongly looking into that," said Wolfgang Hoffmann, director of product planning for Audi of America Inc. "Especially with the oil prices rising, I believe strongly that diesel can reduce oil consumption dramatically."

Hoffmann said Audi has a "strong diesel competence" in Europe. He said Audi must decide whether it wants to do both the hybrid and a diesel in the United States or just the hybrid.
The Q7 will be launched in Europe with the V-8 and a 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine.