Audi A1 a possibility for North America?

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10-10-2008, 01:54 PM

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Audi A1 a possibility for North America?

Stories keep changing, but the cars remain the same. Well maybe not. Earlier this week we reported that the A1 might have a hybrid version. Later on in the week we reported that Audi’s Hybrid is more then likely to be based on the VW Up! concept. Now the talk around town is that the A1 might find itself to dealer showrooms in the United States in a gasoline configuration.

One must wonder if the A1 is being considered the VW Polo must not be far behind either. Gas efficiency seems to be a keyword often dropped in sales meetings, but with the recent sudden decline of oil prices, we must ask ourselves if fuel efficiency will be an issue in 6 months or not.

At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Audi showed its A1 Sportback concept, a first look at a hybrid 5-door Audi A1. We’re glad to say that the production version could hit U.S. roads. When? We would say sometime around early 2010. Will it be a hybrid like the concept? We highly doubt it.

“A year ago, I would have said no,” Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s worldwide sales and marketing boss, told Automotive News. “I did not see any trend in the U.S. which showed me that small cars could have a lasting, sustainable chance. I think this has changed. Therefore, we definitely have to reconsider the A1.