2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41
Today, the demand for compact cars is falling rapidly. In particular, sales of 3- and 5-door hatchbacks equipped with 3- and 4-cylinder engines are declining. They are being driven out of the market by crossovers and SUVs. However, not all manufacturers are ready to give up compact cars yet. But Audi decided to take such a step. Moreover, she will refuse to further develop her cheapest model - A1.
This was officially announced by the head of the German mark. But it cannot be ruled out that Audi will continue to produce compact cars. Most likely, these will be electric hatchbacks and sedans. The head of the German brand emphasized that one of the reasons for abandoning the development of the A1 model was the introduction in the near future of the new Euro-7 standard, which toughens the requirements for the environmental friendliness of the cars produced. At the same time, the norms have not yet been fully disclosed. That is, manufacturers do not yet know what to prepare for. In this regard, the head of Audi did not rule out the possible disappearance of A3 sedans and hatchbacks from the model range.
In addition, the German concern does not exclude the possibility that small cars with electric motors will not be produced at all. The head of Audi said that electrification of compact models is expensive. Therefore, their production can become economically unprofitable.
Apparently, after the A1 leaves the market, the Q2 crossover will be the cheapest model of the German brand. As for the rest of the company's cars, its head noted that the characteristics of the power unit of the cars will directly depend on the market in which they are presented. In particular, in Europe in 2030, about 80% of Audi's sales will come from electric cars. But in the United States and China, the situation may turn out differently.