Audi kills off A4 hybrid for the U.S., diesel still on its way

Also the most profitable german car maker in the US at the moment.

— Heyhuub (View Profile)

Posted on 4/3/2008 4:39:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

All of the manufacturers who build cars outside the U.S. are affected by it. And I think Audi is smart here. Considering the U.S. is the only place on earth where a hybrid would sell versus a more fuel efficient diesel (which the rest of the world would buy in a heartbeat), and Audi sells the majority of it's million cars a year outside the U.S., why spend the money making a hybrid for a weak market where you'll never recoup the cost?

Incidentally Lexus must be just getting crushed right now by the dollar. Unlike those German Big Three Lexus doesn't sell much outside the U.S. A weak U.S. economy and falling exchange rate without any other markets to hold them up will cost them enormously versus the other brands.

— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 4/3/2008 4:47:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

What are you amazingbimmer with a new tag name? Always Audi bashing.

— VISO (View Profile)

Posted on 4/3/2008 4:55:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I don't get where you found information that Audi is the only German Car Maker affected by the weak dollar? I hope you know its also not only the car industry...

— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/3/2008 5:05:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Lexus are re badged Toyotas.

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 4/3/2008 5:39:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 16   

@ Go0bama (or Go0bama08),

It's pretty obvious that you need to be banned AGAIN. You have got to have the most pathetic home and social life because there is no other explanation as to why you would only post mindless sound bites. You give fanboys a bad name.

If you want some respect, why don't you take the time to explain why you believe Toyotas are better than VW and/or Audis instead of saying so?

If you can't or are unwilling to do so, then send me your home address. I will be more than happy to send your Mommy and Daddy some diapers, diaper rash cream and baby food so they can take better care of you and help you grow to be a worthwhile member of society.

— Bored (View Profile)

Posted on 4/3/2008 7:25:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

I can't wait for other carmakers to follow Audi's plans to bring diesels to the U.S. It's amazing how many cars in Europe are offered with diesel engines. For some reason, it's never caught on here. Does anyone know why?

BTW, JRobUSC, I de-boosted you by accident. Sorry. I do agree with your statement above.

— 07G35J (View Profile)

Posted on 4/3/2008 7:50:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

They should have went with a hybrid over a diesel.

I don't drive a hybrid but people would absolutely buy it in the US. If they wanted to really bank they should follow the hype here. The a4 really is a great car, the hybrid factor would make it alot more appealing to young professional/hippies/hipsters.

— AlexG (View Profile)

Posted on 4/5/2008 5:17:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Sounds like a perfectly legitimate business decision, especially considering that Audi is committed to bringing diesel models to the U.S. (Many European auto execs consider hybrids to be nothing more than a fad or fashion statement.) I hope that the current weak dollar doesn't scuttle any more import decisions; an American assembly plant might help.

— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 4/3/2008 4:35:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 11   

I didn't know there ever would be an A4 hybrid in the first place. An A4 diesel sounds much more appealing. Not to mention the profitability.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/3/2008 5:06:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I never heard about this, did Audi announce any plans for a hybrid A4 in the past?

I thought they were just bringing over the diesels.

— Chip (View Profile)

Posted on 4/3/2008 5:46:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

A new U.S. administration can't come quick enough, huh?
Hopefully by the time Audi has the hybrids production ready in 2-3 years, the U.S. economy would have recovered.

— Bored (View Profile)

Posted on 4/3/2008 6:59:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

:(

— delan (View Profile)

Posted on 4/3/2008 9:53:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Funny how they won't bring over a hybrid because of the weak dollar but they will bring over a diesel where we have to pay $4.50 a gallon. I would rather have a standard enging and pay 3.25 for regular gas (Never thought I would say "rather pay 3.25/gallon for gas").

— Schwitz916 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2008 10:14:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Hybrids are nothing but hype I agree. Its another way to make the consumer pay more for thinking he is doing something for the environment. The cost of hybrids outway the benifit not to mention the idiots you know who you are trying to compare a prius which i wouldnt drive if it were given to me to say like an M3. Remember governments once told you the world was flat. Now they are telling you green this green that global warming etc. Just another indirect tax

— markanthony0419 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2008 10:17:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Told you! this is the exact pattern that, i have been trying to tell you folks..These guys talk alot of B.S. don't believe the hype.

— Homer008 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/4/2008 2:27:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1