New hybrid SUV by 2011

(Audi)

German car manufacturer Audi has confirmed that it will launch its first full hybrid model at the end of 2010, the Audi Q5 Hybrid.

Audi has been laying out its plans for the future, saying that it will add four models to its portfolio in 2010. The R8 Spyder will launch in Germany in the first quarter of 2010 whilst the A8 is slated to begin delivery in the US in late 2010. Meanwhile two new cars will also be unveiled, the A1 at the Geneva Auto Show in March and the A7, which is believed to be planned for later in the year.

There are also rumors that a new concept car will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, although Audi has not confirmed an appearance. By 2015, the Audi brand will have enlarged its product portfolio from 34 to 42 models. It believes the cost will be about 5.9 billion in research and development, or around 80 percent of its total €7.3 billion investment in fixed assets.

"With our planned investments in new products and mobility concepts, for example electric propulsion, we are creating a basis for our company's future growth," said Audi's Axel Strotbek.

Audi has had a broadly positive 2009, in sharp contrast to the disastrous year of some of its transatlantic competitors. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in July, and won the prestigious "Green Car of the Year 2010" prize at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In November, the firm raised its original target of 900,000 car sales to 925,000.