Audi to expand diesel line-up by 2015 (U.S)

Audi wants to expand its diesel range by introducing new variants into a majority of its line-up in the U.S by 2015.

Currently, Audi has two diesel vehicles; Q7 3.0 TDI and A3 2.0 TDI. Audi is unable to keep up with demand because of the variants popularity. Approximately 50% of A3’s sold are diesel powered, with 40% of Q7’s fuelled by diesel.

"Dealers are telling us that there is significant consumer demand [for diesels]," said Audi spokesman Jeff Kuhlman.

Audi of America said the brand needs to add diesels to its product line-up to keep up with ever-changing strict emission regulations. Audi says it will be adding diesel variants to the current Q5 compact SUV, the A6 and the A8 sedan. By 2015, it will add a 4 cylinder diesel, likely the 2.0 TDI, to the 2014 A4.

Audi is also considering dropping a V6 diesel into the A4 but cost may be an issue since it could make the model too expensive for U.S customer tastes. Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi of America, said that the brand would like to have 20% of its U.S sales to be diesel variants by 2015.