Audi's upcoming Q5 CUV hasn't even been officially unveiled yet, but a new report in a German newspaper has already sent rumors flying that Audi plans to build its new BMW X3 competitor in China.
According to a report in the Suddeutsche Zeitung, Audi is currently building a new manufacturing plant in Changchun, northern China, which will handle construction of the new Q5. The brand already builds its Chinese-market A6 and A4 in Changchun under a VW joint venture with local maker First Automobile Works, so this doesn't really seem like anything new.
The new CUV is being introduced for the first time tomorrow (April 19) at the Beijing Auto show, and will go on sale in Europe later this year, with U.S. availability slated for early 2009. The Suddeutsche Zeitung report doesn't say whether or not the Changchun-built Q5 will be exported outside of China, leading to rampant speculation, but considering the new plant isn't scheduled to open until August 2009, it would be unlikely. Audi has so far declined to comment on the story either way.
What is significant about the Q5 report is how Audi's presence in the People's Republic is growing. The automaker sold more than 100,000 vehicles in the country last year, a new record, including 93,168 built locally in Changchun. Premiering an important new model like the Q5 in Beijing instead of Geneva or New York illustrates the company's commitment to China, and should help those sales figures grow even more. Last year, the automaker unveiled its Cross Coupe concept at the Shanghai show (pictured), which was a preview of sorts for the Q5.
Source:
Automotive News Europe (Registration Required) and Audi