Audi’s current model range is packed with different options. From small utility vehicles to large sedans, passing through family cars, sports cars, coupés, electric cars and a complete SUV range with various possibilities. However, there are already two cars that will not follow in the future. And it is that the CEO of Audi has confirmed that there will be no new generation for the Audi A1 and Q2.
Markus Duesmann is the head of the house with the four rings and has recently confirmed in an interview that both the Audi A1 and the Audi Q2 will not receive new generations. This decision is based on the plans of the German company to focus only on the largest and premium segments.
There will be no new generation of the Audi A1 and Q2, confirms the CEO of Audi
This means that, once both models complete their current life cycles, the entry cars to the German brand’s range will be the Audi A3 and the Audi Q3. It is important to point out that this decision will end Audi’s presence in segment B, both for utility vehicles and SUVs.
The exclusive was granted by the CEO of Audi during an interview with the German newspaper Handelsblatt, where he said: “We have decided not to build the A1 anymore, and there will not be a successor model to the Q2 . We have also realigned Audi as a premium brand. We will limit our range of models at the bottom and expand it at the top.”
The decision not to continue with the development of a new generation for the Audi A1 and Q2 allows the brand to redirect funds to the development of electric vehicles and larger models with higher profit margins, such as the next Audi Q6 e-tron.
But Audi is not the only brand that has made this drastic decision when it comes to its product portfolio, as it is in line with the products offered by its main rivals, BMW and Mercedes. Both brands do not have offers below the compact segment.
In addition, this strategy will help Audi further distance itself from Volkswagen and move closer to more exclusive brands such as Porsche and Bentley within the same automotive group in terms of high-end model lines.
This article was published in Autobild by Aarón Pérez.