Diesel is no longer a dirty word in the US says Audi chairman and chief executive Rupert Stadler.

Since introducing the A3 and Q7 diesels at the Detroit Show three years ago, Stadler said that every second model sold is now one diesel equipped.

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He added: “People are beginning to see the value of diesels in the US, especially in premium cars. It is a proven, clean technology and we will continue to introduce new models here.”

These will include the Audi A8 TDi and A6 TDi by 2013 and the Q5 will follow. At this year’s show, Stadler unveiled the sporty new S4 and the Q3 Vail concept, a compact SUV with a winter sports theme including flared arches, running boards and sports-specific roof rails.

Something of a cosmetic exercise but it served as a precursor to Stadler’s announcement that the Q3 will be launched in the US.

The car will be built in Europe for the US market with production starting in 2013.

See also: ANALYSIS: VW of America’s silent diesel surge

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