Audi Nixes Hybrid Vehicle Programs

Earlier this year, Audi put its Q7 SUV hybrid program on hold, and it now appears that the company may stop work on all hybrids currently in the planning stages, including the Q5. The company cites concerns over nickel-metal hydride battery safety in crashes as one reason for its decision. It also says that the overall efficiency of hybrid vehicles needs to be improved before the company can resume production -oriented hybrid development.

Audi plans to make improvements to its diesel engines and look for ways to reduce the weight of its products in an effort to improve their fuel economy. The company will also look for ways to introduce fuel-saving technologies like stop-start into its line of gasoline-powered vehicles. Audi does not plan to market the fuel saving advancements as part of a particular program. Instead, the company says that improvements are a natural part of the technological evolution of its vehicles, and that improvements could be added to existing vehicle lines as soon as 2010.

Audi also plans to bring a concept version of the A7 to the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, ahead of the actual product launch, expected later in 2009. The company has shifted its focus to the quad coupe segment, and is expected to offer six-, seven-, and eight-speed transmissions on the production version of the A7 concept. The company has not indicated which options it will make available in the North American market.