Low Demand Means No New Audi Allroad for U.S.

Over the weekend, Audi released some information and images of its new A4 Allroad Quattro. But, despite Audi’s recent new model onslaught on the U.S., this rugged wagon will remain just a figment for us Yankees.

According to Audi’s U.S. Public Relations Manager, Bradley Stertz, there are no plans to bring the Allroad wagon here.

Stretz states there simply isn’t enough demand for the Allroad – though he admits they know of many “very loyal fans”; himself included. He says other causes include the expense of passing stringent U.S. emissions and crash/safety standards, which are too high for such a niche player.

We’re inclined to believe Stertz on the demand issue. While the newly redesigned A4 is a healthy seller — comprising about half of all Audi’s U.S. sales volume last year — only 7% of those A4’s were Avant derived (the wagon body style). Meaning, Americans don’t like wagons.

So if Audi can only sell around 3,000 A4 wagons each year, porting over a more expensive and specialized version doesn’t make much sense does it?

Comments

This Audi can't compete with the Subaru Outback, which is about twice the car for about half the price.

Wasn’t the Allroad supposed to be Audi’s so-called “Crossover vehicle” before the Q7 came along? And wouldn’t a Q7’s lowered self-lowering suspension fill the void of the Allroad anyway?

People who continue to buy station wagons are usually not people who would be interested in buying SUVs.

Ken,
You're thinking of the larger A6 based allroad which also is not sold here. But yeah, the SUVs took their places, q5 for the a4 as well.

Suv's are more prone to roll-over. That is why they have to make them wider. Except my garage ain't getting no wider. I'll stick to low Centre of Gravity wagons thank you, but give me fold flat front seats please...or a roof rack for long stuff. The smaller the car is, the more it needs a roof rack, but manufacturers don't get it.

Based on the study that we've conducted back in college, family man are the usual consumers of SUV. Hahaha, maybe there aren't much families in that area.