2011 Audi A5 Sportback Not for U.S
A few months back, our spy shooters nabbed a few pics of the saucy A5 Sportback. Admittedly, we got a little giddy at the thought of the sexy slant-back scouting our streets. Alas, Audi has officially stated that it has no current plans to sell the new model in the U.S.
Along with an official teaser image, the German automaker released a short statement discussing its record worldwide sales and profitability and record levels of U.S. market share, and reiterated its goal to become the leading premium brand by 2015. It sees the U.S. market as “vital” to the success of the company, but is content with its current and planned future offerings. The larger A7 Sportback concept, which debuted at the 2009 Detroit auto show, is expected to be a strong candidate to arrive in the U.S. market, where it would compete against the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Globally, Audi still intends to grow its current range to 42 models. It says some of those new products will come to the U.S., but it feels it must keep a proper balance here between its core products, such as the A4 and Q5, and model derivatives like the A5 Sportback. We are disappointed but not surprised at this announcement; recent years have seen us denied the latest fire-breathing, 580-hp RS 6 sedan and Avant, as well as many other powertrain combos that are offered elsewhere around the world. In any event, here’s to hoping the grass doesn’t always stay greener on the other side.
A few months back, our spy shooters nabbed a few pics of the saucy A5 Sportback. Admittedly, we got a little giddy at the thought of the sexy slant-back scouting our streets. Alas, Audi has officially stated that it has no current plans to sell the new model in the U.S.
Along with an official teaser image, the German automaker released a short statement discussing its record worldwide sales and profitability and record levels of U.S. market share, and reiterated its goal to become the leading premium brand by 2015. It sees the U.S. market as “vital” to the success of the company, but is content with its current and planned future offerings. The larger A7 Sportback concept, which debuted at the 2009 Detroit auto show, is expected to be a strong candidate to arrive in the U.S. market, where it would compete against the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Globally, Audi still intends to grow its current range to 42 models. It says some of those new products will come to the U.S., but it feels it must keep a proper balance here between its core products, such as the A4 and Q5, and model derivatives like the A5 Sportback. We are disappointed but not surprised at this announcement; recent years have seen us denied the latest fire-breathing, 580-hp RS 6 sedan and Avant, as well as many other powertrain combos that are offered elsewhere around the world. In any event, here’s to hoping the grass doesn’t always stay greener on the other side.
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