Diesel-powered vehicles designed not for heavy towing or enormous payloads are somewhat hard to come by in America. Don't tell that to Audi.
At a press conference at its Virginia headquarters, company president Johan de Nysschen confirmed the inclusion of the Q5 TDI to its U.S. lineup. The small CUV will join the much-loved Q7 and A3 TDIs at dealers in the next 24 to 30 months and will be powered by the brand’s turbocharged diesel 3.0-liter V-6 engine.
He also mentioned that his brand's future diesel and hybrid models will be complimentary of each other and that his product portfolio will continue to cater to a variety of eco-conscious drivers, particularly those that drive long distances on open roads (ideal for diesel) or those commuting in congested urban streets (ideal for hybrid).
De Nysschen addressed questions concerning a possible US plant as well. If you recall, close cousin Volkswagen has set up shop in Chattanooga, Tennessee where it will produce the all-new Jetta. Johan and his team believe that Audi's American sales will be substantial enough to justify the investment and cost of an American plant before 2015, but added, "that does not mean the factory will be operational by then."