All About Japan Autos

Things are looking up for premium automaker Audi, and its parent company, Volkswagen AG, expects the good times to keep rolling. After analyzing 2010 sales, Audi reports that sales were up for the 2010 fiscal year, and that it expects 2011 numbers to be even higher. Audi plans to add models to the U.S. lineup, hopefully justifying the construction of a plant here in the States and an increase in inventory, which Road and Track suspects has been hindering sales. “The luxury brand aims to topple Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) as the largest premium-car maker,” writes Bloomberg in its analysis of Audi’s annual stockholder meeting.

“The carmaker is rolling out 13 new or upgraded models this year, including a revamped A6 sedan, a Q3 compact SUV and a hybrid Q5,” summarizes the Detroit News. Audi will also bring the electric E-tron and next-generation A4 to the U.S. in late 2012 or early 2013, according to Inside Line. In its annual meeting, Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi of America said Audi will bring clean diesel versions of the A8, A6, and the Q5 to the U.S. within the next few years.

This is all great news for U.S. car shoppers. With gas prices set to jump past the $4 per gallon, fuel economy is more important than ever, and Audi’s expanded line of clean diesels may help consumers at the pump. Keep in mind, though, that the more fuel-efficient diesel options come with a higher price tag. For instance, the Audi Q7 starts at $46,250, with an annual fuel cost of $3,136, while its diesel sibling starts at $51,450 with an annual fuel cost of $2,903. Opting for the pricier diesel wouldn’t start paying you back for 22 years since you would only save about $233 annually, so it remains to be seen whether the increased number of clean diesel options will help out or not.

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