• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
Tech

Audi Is Betting Its Future on This Hot Vehicle Category

By
Kirsten Korosec
Kirsten Korosec
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Kirsten Korosec
Kirsten Korosec
Down Arrow Button Icon
December 28, 2015, 3:51 PM ET
Courtesy of Audi

A decade ago, Audi introduced its first SUV, the Q7, which didn’t even reach the U.S. until late 2006. Today, more than 44% of the carmakers U.S. sales are SUVs.

That number will likely grow as the luxury unit of Volkswagen Group adds another SUV to its model lineup. On Monday, Audi said it would introduce the Q2 compact SUV and a revamped Q5 as part of a nearly $3 billion spending plan for 2016.

Audi’s decision to add another SUV aims to tap into the booming crossover market. Total U.S. car sales this year are on pace to exceed the current record of 17.4 million vehicles set in 2000. Crossovers and SUVs are driving much of that growth.

WATCH: For more about Audi

Audi’s bet on SUVs to increase sales explains the company’s electric vehicle strategy. Last month, Audi of America president Scott Keogh told Fortune that by 2025, at least one quarter of all Audi cars sold in the U.S. will have a plug.

The 2016 A3 Sportback e-tron, a plug-in electric hybrid, marks the company’s entry into U.S. electric car sales. However, its first all-electric vehicle will be a luxury-class SUV that will go into general production in early 2018.

“For us, it was very important to build a car where the population is,” Keogh explained at an event ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. “You’re not going to get broad acceptance unless you put vehicles in the market where the mainstream audience is.”

SIGN UP: Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s daily newsletter about the business of technology.

Audi reaffirmed its commitment to the all-electric SUV in Monday’s announcement. The all-electric vehicle will be based on the Audi e-tron Quattro concept that made its debut in September at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. The SUV, which will have a 311-mile range, doesn’t have an official name yet. For now, the concept vehicle is being called the e-tron Quattro.

Also on Monday, Audi said it would expand the number of car models is sells to 60 from the 52 it had as of May 2015. The 60 models will include seven plug-in electric vehicles.

 

About the Author
By Kirsten Korosec
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Tech

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Tech

This upstart stablecoin bank just won a rare OCC charter and raised $40 million. Its CEO is only 25
Bankingstablecoins
This upstart stablecoin bank just won a rare OCC charter and raised $40 million. Its CEO is only 25
By Jeff John RobertsMay 11, 2026
26 minutes ago
Sharon Shmueli, left, and Tal Shlomo, right, sit and smile
NewslettersTerm Sheet
Exclusive: Index Ventures backs Frame’s $50 million bet that employees are still cybersecurity’s weakest link
By Lily Mae LazarusMay 11, 2026
48 minutes ago
Apple presents its new user interface, "Liquid Glass," at its Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9, 2025 in Cupertino, California. (Photo: Andrej Sokolow/dpa/Getty Images)
NewslettersFortune Tech
Apple just might address those Liquid Glass issues
By Andrew NuscaMay 11, 2026
2 hours ago
voters in line
EconomyElections
Forget the Rust Belt or the Sun Belt. The ‘Wired Belt’ may be the next frontier of American political power
By Jake AngeloMay 11, 2026
4 hours ago
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon says 2026 is the year AI agents go mainstream—and the smartphone’s reign as your primary device is ending
AIFortune 500: Titans and Disruptors of Industry
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon says 2026 is the year AI agents go mainstream—and the smartphone’s reign as your primary device is ending
By Fortune EditorsMay 10, 2026
16 hours ago
The global economy is experiencing the largest capex cycle ever, with nearly $5 trillion seen by the end of the decade—and it’s not all AI spending
EnergyAlternative energy
The global economy is experiencing the largest capex cycle ever, with nearly $5 trillion seen by the end of the decade—and it’s not all AI spending
By Jason MaMay 10, 2026
17 hours ago

Most Popular

‘This is the way’: Elon Musk endorses Warren Buffett’s famed 5-minute plan to fix the national debt
Economy
‘This is the way’: Elon Musk endorses Warren Buffett’s famed 5-minute plan to fix the national debt
By Jacqueline MunisMay 10, 2026
22 hours ago
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says Gen Z and millennials are using ChatGPT like a 'life advisor'—but college students might be one step ahead
Tech
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says Gen Z and millennials are using ChatGPT like a 'life advisor'—but college students might be one step ahead
By Sydney LakeMay 10, 2026
22 hours ago
'Employers are increasingly turning to degree and GPA' in hiring: Recruiters retreat from ‘talent is everywhere,’ double down on top colleges
Future of Work
'Employers are increasingly turning to degree and GPA' in hiring: Recruiters retreat from ‘talent is everywhere,’ double down on top colleges
By Jake AngeloMay 9, 2026
2 days ago
Red flag test: former CEO explains why he rejects job candidates who say they can start right away
Success
Red flag test: former CEO explains why he rejects job candidates who say they can start right away
By Orianna Rosa RoyleMay 9, 2026
2 days ago
Trump thinks he's flying to Beijing with leverage. China spent 6 years making sure he doesn't have any
Commentary
Trump thinks he's flying to Beijing with leverage. China spent 6 years making sure he doesn't have any
By Steve H. HankeMay 10, 2026
24 hours ago
Ted Cruz says the quiet part out loud: Trump accounts are Social Security personal accounts as GOP senator reveals 'dirty little secret'
Politics
Ted Cruz says the quiet part out loud: Trump accounts are Social Security personal accounts as GOP senator reveals 'dirty little secret'
By Jason MaMay 9, 2026
2 days ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.