Audi Reaffirms A1 Not Coming to the U.S

Manufacturers have been preparing to launch new small models in the United States more than ever. T

he Beat is coming from Chevrolet, Ford is bringing over the Fiesta and Fiat the 500. Mercedes-Benz has even been rumored to be considering the A-Class and B-Class to our shores.

The A1 is a supermini that many have wanted to see as a full competitor to the MINI, which is really the only successful car of its type in our country. That could be the reason Audi has an apprehension about bringing it over.

Audi A1 S-Line Pictured

In Europe, the car has met high demand, with Audi receiving over 50,00 preorders ahead of the car's summer launch.

Apparently the brand sees its U.S image as a serious competitor to BMW and Mercedes-Benz too fragile to risk selling it here. After all, the MINI isn't sold under the BMW badge.

Audi global sales head Peter Schwarzenbauer recently said: "If you look at the real numbers, it’s not huge volumes. I’m not so sure yet we really see a trend to small cars in the United States."

Despite enthusiasm from the automotive press and enthusiasts, the U.S has never taken well to small cars. That may be changing, but for now Audi doesn't want to risk bringing over a potential flop model at this point.