Audi: More SUVs, No Minivan

Audi AG's new-model plan through the remainder of the decade will focus on expanding the brand's current lineup of premium SUV/crossovers rather than "utilitarian off-roaders," says CEO Rupert Stadler. The company said previously it will expand its lineup to 60 models by 2020 from 50 today.

Stadler tells Automotive News Europe the Volkswagen Group unit won't offer a minivan to compete with Mercedes-Benz's new V-Class van family or BMW's 2 Series Gran Tourer small minivan due this autumn. Noting that SUVs are more emotional, he tells ANE, "We would rather be the emotional choice than the rational choice."

No Prologue Avant in Audi's future

He also says Audi is not likely to build a production version of this year's Prologue Avant wagon concept vehicle, noting that wagons are not popular outside Europe.

But Stadler says the concept signals Audi's future design language. He also anticipates more variants of the fastback roofline introduced in 2010 by the company's four-door A7 Sportback. However, there are no plans for a large four-passenger coupe to compete with BMW AG's 6 Series cars.