Audi A1 won’t make it to the U.S.

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Last year Audi sold over 1 million vehicles worldwide and future plans include passing their long time competitor BMW.

To do that Audi needs to expand its lineup. In Europe they are planning to introduce a small city car A1 in 2010. Unfortunately this little Mini fighter won’t make it to the U.S.

According to Audi’s sales and marketing boss Peter Schwarzenbauer, the brand is not that well established in the States to support sales of smaller premium cars.

He also ruled out a separate small-car brand like Daimler’s smart or BMW’s Mini. Mr. Schwarzenbauer is not sure that U.S. consumers are ready for small cars, especially ones with big price tags.

We agree with him on the price tag, but disagree on the first part. People would buy the A1 if priced below 20,000 US dollars. We believe people are ready for small cars if priced reasonably. Current rumor is that A1 would cost around 25,000 US dollars.

Problem is that A1 will be produced in Europe and with low dollar the car can’t be priced under 20,000 US dollars.

To be honest with that price we don’t see much success in Europe either. It will likely be just a trend setter for some people not a sales success for Audi.

Of course things can(and likely will) change and U.S. consumers might see the A1 just few years later than Europeans.

Source: Automotive New Europe