Audi A4 TDI Will Take a Break from the US Market [News]

2017 Audi A4 front angle

A slight change to Audi’s US lineup will be made this coming year following word from Audi of America’s president Scott Keogh who told Automotive News that the Audi A4 TDI will take a break from the US market.

With the 2017 model A4’s hitting dealerships later this month, Audi probably made the decision months ago. The announcement from Audi clearly reflects lower demand of diesel sedans when compared to the demand for diesel model SUV’s. Keogh says that, “The marketplace speaks, we listen to the marketplace, and the marketplace told us, ‘Go with SUVs,’” and the data certainly backs that statement up.

In the first half of last year, diesel models accounted for only six to eight percent of A6, A7, and A8 models sold in the US according to Audi. When compared to the 12 percent of Q5’s sold in a diesel and a whopping 22 percent of Q7’s sold with a diesel, the decision to axe the diesel A4 begins to make a bit more sense.

Static photo,  Colour: in crystal effect paint finish Ara Blue

Contrary to what many will choose to believe, Keogh says that this decision had nothing to do with parent-company Volkswagen’s ongoing negotiations with U.S. regulators about its 2.0-liter diesel engines. The decision was made purely due to a lack of demand in the US market.

However, sales of diesel vehicles from Audi and parent-company VW remain halted until the Volkswagen group receives certification from the EPA that the engines conform to U.S. emissions standards.

Keogh refused to comment on Audi’s dealings with the EPA. VW has taken the lead on discussions related to the 2.0-liter engines while Audi has handled EPA issues related to the 3.0-liter V-6 diesels used in The A6, A7, A8, Q5, and Q7.

As it stands right now, Audi will keep the rest of their diesel lineup through the end of each models life cycle. After that, who knows?

If you are curious about the state of affairs regarding the A4’s bigger brother, the A6, check out our review below: