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Audi Won’t Build a VW up! but the Q9 Is Almost Certain

Rumours about Audi placing its badge on the VW up! are nothing new, but now the German carmaker has come to dismiss these. Audi’s Chairman of the Board and CEO, Rupert Stadler recently told Car Magazine the carmaker is not looking to expand its range below the A1.
VW up! Audi talk 1 photo
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Stadler mentioned good profit margins and pleasing sales for the A1. In fact, it wouldn’t quite make sense for Audi to build something smaller. A premium proposal in the city car class (A segment) isn’t something many people would buy.

We’d like to remind you MINI was supposed to bring something similar to the market, with the vehicle having been previewed by the Rocketman concept. With the new, third generation MINI, The British carmaker’s range has plenty of room for such a small offering. Still, the company decided to skip this, as a solid business case could not be built.

Nevertheless, Audi is willing to push the borders of its line-up, but at the other end. SUVs sales have maintained their positive trend, so we should expect to see a Q9.

Previous reports indicated the possibility of Audi building an A9 sedan or coupe, but neither one of those would even come close to the SUV in terms of profitability.

As for the positioning of the Q9, Audi’s CEO is confident the car has its own customers. Stadler bragged Audi is not concerned about rivals such as the recently-confirmed BMW X7 or the Range Rover long wheelbase.

Via: Car Magazine
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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