Audi is considering building its cars in the United States to promote its growth here, said CEO Rupert Stadler in a conference call Tuesday. There are many factors the company needs to consider first, though, including whether or not to share it with partner Volkswagen , which vehicle the factory would assemble and whether to export it.
VW is expected to announce a US factory site by the end of June, so the decision regarding sharing needs to be made soon. The new plant is necessary if Audi is to meet its sales target of 200,000 by 2018, as per Automotive News. By 2015, Stadler wants to sell 180,000 vehicles, while for 2008, the mark is set at 100,000.
A U.S.-based plant would help keep prices of its new cars down here, making the sales targets attainable despite the weak dollar, worsening economy and resulting low interest in the luxury car market.
New models are expected to help sales numbers, and 40 new vehicles are due to roll out by 2015 under the 4-ring logo, including the 2009 A4, upcoming Q5 crossover and Q7 SUV with a diesel engine meant for North America as well as an A3 convertible and A1 subcompact for other markets.
