Audi looks to win sales from volume brands with new SUV

The New Audi Q5

VALENCIA, Spain - Audi hopes its new Q5 SUV will help win new customers to the brand from volume manufacturers.



The German automaker expects to win sales at the expense of volume brand models such as Toyota´s RAV4, Michael Renz, Audi head of central marketing, told Automotive News Europe at a press event here.

"Obviously we are still targeting the premium SUVs like the BMW X3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLK, but we expect to draw some customers from the volume segment as well," Renz said.

He identified the Volvo XC 60 as the other main competitor for the Q5. Renz said that volume-brand customers would be attracted to the Q5 because of its "sporty design and handling."

The Q5 is positioned below the larger Q7 and will share a platform with Audi´s upper-premium A4 sedan.

It goes on sale in Europe this autumn. U.S. sales begin in the first quarter of 2009, with China following in the second quarter.

Prices start at 38,300 euros in Germany.

[Source : Automotive News Europe .. sub req.]