Audi's CEO interview in AM&S.

[Yperion]

AUDI boss: "No marque will grow in such a way like AUDI"

AUDI boss Martin Winterkorn over new models and the rationalization potential of its new modular component system.

How realistic is Roadjet concept of Detroit?

Winterkorn: Like each study of AUDI also the Roadjet is far more than only one finger exercise of our designers: indeed a vision and a technique carrier, which give a view already now on the qualities of future AUDI vehicles. They know: We want to supplement each series around a further model. With the A4 sedan and Avant are set. The question is whether we also one here sport-bake need. I believe, this task fulfilled already the Avant. Therefore the probability that we build a Roadjet between A4 and A6, is very large.

What is so special about this concept?

Winterkorn: The Roadjet connects a dynamic Design in an astonishing way with exzellenter space economics. The Package is the surprising. One sits 60 millimeters more highly, has a more comfortable entrance and a mad seat feeling. We extended the wheel base, are somewhat grown toward the AUDI A6. in such a way experience all four passengers a space comfort as in the upper class.

How are your expectations for 2006?

Winterkorn: We will bring altogether twelve new models and model variants to 2006 on the market. We will continue to grow and plan clearly more than the 829,100 units of the record yearly 2005.

Are the million target realistic for 2008?

Winterkorn: That depends strongly on how the year 2007 becomes. We get the value added tax increase, promote preferred autopurchases. Later we are then with important novelties in the market. There reaching of the million should be realistic.
In the future you place the mark on completely new legs. From a large, modular component system A4, A6, A8 and all derivatives will develop in the future.

Winterkorn: If I think of the future and the whole synergies, then this is the most intelligent, which we made ever.

But not completely without risk.

Winterkorn: No risk, but certainly a genuine challenge. With the future models several important components are parallel again introduced. I did not make already much, but in this intensity yet.

- Translated with Google -

Source (in German)

 

[Tumbo]

Winterkorn: We will bring altogether twelve new models and model variants to 2006 on the market.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

I believe, this task fulfilled already the Avant. Therefore the probability that we build a Roadjet between A4 and A6, is very large.

Winterkorn: The Roadjet connects a dynamic Design in an astonishing way with exzellenter space economics. The Package is the surprising. One sits 60 millimeters more highly, has a more comfortable entrance and a mad seat feeling. We extended the wheel base, are somewhat grown toward the AUDI A6. in such a way experience all four passengers a space comfort as in the upper class.

Geez... looks like we have another MB CLS-ish type of vehicle. A made-up segment for the benefit of the marketing team at Audi.
From the sounds of it... this cars gonna be like a smaller version of a R-class type of vehicle.... just an Avant between the A4 and A6.

I'm not to thrilled about these type of vehicles... seems like MB and Audi are now contestants on "Who Wants to be a Niche Maker".

 

[Michael]

Seems like Audi is really confident and they are making that very clear.

I wish them the best, but truly they have a challenge waiting for them at the end of the road...

 

[Michael]

Seems like Audi is really confident and they are making that very clear.

I wish them the best, but truly they have a challenge waiting for them at the end of the road...

JUST KIDDING

 

[Yperion]

I'm not to thrilled about these type of vehicles... seems like MB and Audi are now contestants on "Who Wants to be a Niche Maker".

BMW is also preparing a similar vehicle to the Roadjet. The V3.

Those vehicles both belong to a segment of models that have less ground clearance and size than SUVs but still are very functional and are called CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicles).
The CUV market in US is the fastest-growing vehicle segment and soon sales of CUVs will surpass those of traditional SUVs.

 

[Imhotep Evil]

BMW is also preparing a similar vehicle to the Roadjet. The V3.

Those vehicles both belong to a segment of models that have less ground clearance and size than SUVs but still are very functional and are called CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicles).
The CUV market in US is the fastest-growing vehicle segment and soon sales of CUVs will surpass those of traditional SUVs.

True, and let's not forget that for BMW the X3 and X5 started as niche products. So no problem as long as it works and don't lose focus of core models.

 

[Merc1]

If Audi can get to 120K sales in the U.S. it would help their worldwide numbers/goal a great deal. I think they'll get to 100K this year here in the U.S. once the new Q7 goes on sale.

M

 

[Yperion]

If they manage to sell around 8k vehicles each month from now on (like in January) , then it's around 96k for the whole 2006. Of course the Q7 could easily add another 1k each month so the 100k figure that Merc1 is talking about should be easily attainable.