While German automakers are still talking a lot about electric cars and the benefits of diesel, they are also quietly rolling out hybrid models. As hybrids continue to increase in popularity, many European automakers are starting to take after their Japanese counterparts, especially as the Japanese have done such an excellent job penetrating the European luxury market over the past two decades.
With BMW recently delivering a hybrid X6 and 7 Series, now Audi is getting into the game with a hybridized version of the Q5 - aimed squarely at the Lexus RX, which dominates the entry level luxury crossover segment.
Like the rest of the German automakers, Audi is playing the whole hybrid thing low-key, even hiding the news of the Q5 Hybrid inside a press release about investing in the future. This isn’t particularly surprising, especially from Audi, who’s U.S. boss, Johan de Nysschen, was widely quoted several months back slamming hybrid technology like that found in the Chevy Volt.
And so while hybrid technology isn’t a part of Audi’s big marketing push and brand image, the automaker certainly aims to stay relevant and compete. The 2011 Q5 hybrid will, after all, be on sale in late 2010 – less than 12 months away.
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Surprise: Audi Q5 Hybrid Coming in Less Than 12 Months on AutoGuide.com
Surprise: Audi Q5 Hybrid Coming in Less Than 12 Months
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