No changes planned for Audi's U.S. lineup

U.S. carmakers may be undergoing the biggest industrial structural reforms in decades but the instigators of the changes, rising fuel prices and a slowing economy, won’t be affecting Audi’s plans anytime soon. Audi’s U.S. boss Johan de Nysschen has revealed that there no plans to change the current product mix, even in light of climbing petrol and diesel prices. De Nysschen did however warn that if fuel prices continue to stay the way they are we could see a significantly revised U.S. lineup from Audi.

Audi's confidence has been attributed to the strength of the luxury car market, which has been less affected by the consumer shift experienced by less premium brands. Even so, Audi's A3 is poised to capitalize on the boom in small cars. Audi has also responded to falling full-size SUV sales by creating the new Q5 midsize SUV (pictured).

The weak U.S. dollar also has Audi considering a North American assembly plant, and de Nysschen told Automotive News that the company is getting closer to the point where economics may force the start-up of production of Audi cars in North America.

Even with diesel prices reaching $5 per gallon, Audi will still bring a TDI diesel Q7 to the U.S. next year. De Nysschen said that Audi remains positive about the future of diesels in the U.S. since they provide 30% better fuel-economy than their petrol equivalents.

In addition to the new Q7 TDI, De Nysschen previously revealed that a new supercar model as well as an SUV smaller than the Q5 could also be a possibility for the U.S. Check out our previous story for more details.