Forget people-movers, Audi's future is SUVs

Rupert Stadler, Audi’s CEO, says his firm will have 60 models or variants by 2020, up from today’s 50, but people movers won’t be part of his brand’s expansion.
The announcement in an interview with Automotive News by Audi’s boss means there will be no rival for the recent BMW 2 Series Active Tourer or replacement for the original A2.

Stadler: “Our competitors decided to launch compact MPVs. We decided on an SUV with the Q1 because SUVs have a higher conquest rate than minivans, even in the compact segments.”

Audi’s CEO said SUV’s higher pricing was also a significant factor in favouring them over people movers.

“Our priority is to have the ability to win new consumers and then command a premium price.”

Despite confirming his commitment to an SUV future Stadler refused to admit the recent SUV-inspired TT concept had been confirmed for production despite it receiving what the Audi chief described as “positive” feedback.

Audi hopes by expanding its range by an additional 10 models in just five years it will become the number one best-seller of premium vehicles.