Audi Bets Big on Crossovers, SUVs
Audi’s lineup of crossovers and SUVs will grow by three in the next two years.
The German automaker expects crossover and SUV sales to account for half of its total global volume in the future, and to help make that happen Audi will expand its offerings from four to seven. Currently, crossovers and SUVs account for a third of the automaker’s global sales, but in China it’s 40 percent and 47 percent in the U.S. Earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, Audi debuted the Q8 Concept, which will head to production as a flagship SUV and will launch next year.
Joining the Q8 next year will be the e-tron electric crossover, before the Q4 compact crossover arrives in 2019. Audi said the Q4 will take styling cues from the TT Offroad concept that bowed at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, making it another entry in the growing “coupe SUV” segment.
SEE ALSO: Audi Planning Strong Push into EV Market
For now, shoppers get to enjoy the new second-generation Audi Q5 and the Q2 that launched last year. Audi also plans on replacing the current Q3 next year.
Last year, Audi sold 622,000 light trucks, with the Q5 leading the way with 278,968 units sold according to Automotive News.
The brand is playing catch up to its German rivals however, with BMW offering five models and Mercedes-Benz currently having seven. BMW is also expanding its lineup with the flagship X7 that is expected to launch next year, along with a compact X2.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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