Audi A1 Targets 80,000 Sales in First Year - Peter Schwarzenbauer [Video]

Audi officials are hoping their latest subcompact, the Audi A1, will be able to ride a wave of surging popularity for that market.  The company's board is predicting 80,000 A1 units will be sold in the vehicle's first year of production.

The company is anticipating the subcompact market to grow extensively through the year 2015.  Audi execs are forecasting growth of 30% in Germany alone.

Audi board member Peter Schwarzenbauer sees the A1 as a premium vehicle that offers subcompact customers an alternative to typically boxy styles.  "People who for practical reasons choose a small car want not only the basic functions, but an exciting design and the latest technology as well," he said in an Audi PR video.

"With the A1, we're giving these customers what they want by launching the first premium car in the subcompact segment."

The 2011 Audi A1 will be introduced to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March.  Sales of the car could begin later in the year.


Audi A1: Premium car for new target groups

  • Audi moves into subcompact segment for first time with A1
  • Schwarzenbauer: "The A1 fulfills the requirements of urban mobility"
  • Sales target: 80,000 units in its first full year

The new Audi A1 is the first premium car in the subcompact segment. The agile, sporty Audi is perfect for use in big cities owing to its compact dimensions and its excellent fuel economy. Its wide range of customization options helps its young, urban target group in particular to express their own personal style.

"The subcompact segment is forecast to grow in Europe by the year 2015 - in Germany alone growth of 30 percent is anticipated. We're currently expecting to sell 80,000 units of the A1 in its first full year," says Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG. "People who for practical reasons choose a small car want not only the basic functions, but an exciting design and the latest technology as well. With the A1, we're giving these customers what they want by launching the first premium car in the subcompact segment."

The new A1 also benefits from innovations taken from larger Audi models, such as the A3 and A8. As well as its state-of-the-art engines, examples of what the A1 has to offer include a start-stop system, brake energy recuperation and an on-board computer with efficiency program. These technologies are complemented by an array of infotainment items which are otherwise only found in luxury-class models. There is also the option of customizing various details of the car.

"The A1, as is only to be expected, is a true Audi through and through with the usual high standards of quality and emotion," emphasizes Schwarzenbauer. "It's the perfect entry-level model for young customers in particular. And of course we're confident that we'll be able to delight these customers with the new A1 so that they will stay with the Audi brand and will later want to drive our larger models."

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 car-o-bar car-o-bar
Finally a worthy German mini alternate. A word of caution for Audi, do not compromise on handling and sportiness of the car. If need be have two versions, sports and lame for the appropriate audience, but if A1 does not beat the mini by a handsome distance in all areas, 80,000 units per year is a dream. And please please RETAIN the two color theme. A lot of Audi products become too diluted from design studios to concepts to road.
January 13, 2010 6:38 pm
 GRAVE GRAVE
Better looking than a mini, but will they make S and RS versions for this car also?
January 13, 2010 7:52 pm
 catchmyshadow catchmyshadow
they already greenlighted the S1. it will carry a 4-cyl. Turbo with ~200 BHP.
January 13, 2010 8:33 pm
 Jeremiah Clarksonius Jeremiah Clarksonius
The concept looks good. The production model...not really.
January 13, 2010 11:32 pm
 sideskraper sideskraper
Err. They're the same.
January 18, 2010 3:00 pm
 nederina nederina
These days Audis are just glorified premium VWs, hey even their bosses admits that.
January 14, 2010 3:11 pm
 Triple_X Triple_X
"launching the first premium car in the subcompact segment." Yeah right... can not admit competitors have done so before? MINI,Alfa Mito recently... Once again it s Voorspung durch Kopy
January 14, 2010 7:15 pm