Audi’s plan to offer the Q7 with hybrid drive from the end of the year has been placed on indefinite hold.According to the German manufacturer’s head of research and development, Michael Dick, the company has diverted engineering resources into developing its lithium ion battery technology.
Although Audi no longer plans selling the Q7 in hybrid form, Dick says it still be produced in small volume to be run internally for evaluation purposes. “There are plans to build the Q7 Hybrid but only in very limited numbers,” he confirms, “but it won’t be offered or sold to customers in the traditional sense.”
Priority has now been switched to ensuring plans for a Q5 hybrid are realised. “We are looking to make the Q5 our first true hybrid model, and the plan is to have it ready for lithium ion technology,” says Dick.
Via AutoCar > Audi Q7 Hybrid postponed
Related link:
Audi Q7 Hybrid on sale by late 2008