Audi has launched the latest version of its A3, a four-door sedan aimed primarily for the Chinese and US markets and the first complete model to be built at the VW Group premium brand’s new plant at Gyor.
The factory, an extension to an existing engine plant in Hungary, started full production last week. The sedan will also be built in China for local sale from 2014.
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Product marketing chief Benjamin Holle said cars for the US and Europe – including right hand drive for the UK – will come from Gyor.
He said: “The A3 is an important car for us. Since it launched in 1996 we have delivered around 3.5m units and it now accounts for 20% of all Audi sales globally.
“The sedan will further strengthen its position because this body style is much more popular in China and the US than the hatchback. It also gives us a unique position in that we will be the only brand with a premium compact sedan.
“In Europe this will be a much more niche model but there is definitely a market for it.”
In China Audi is the clear market leader in the premium segment with 405,838 deliveries last year, an increase of almost 30% over 2011. Sales in the US increased 18.5% to 139,310.
For Europe, the new model launches with two petrol engines, 1.4- and 1.8-litre and two turbo diesels, 1.6- and 2-litre. An S3 quattro version will be available later.
