Audi has admitted that its recent strategy to rename vehicle models based on their drivetrain was a mistake. Last year, the brand announced that even numbers (such as A6 and Q6) would be reserved for electric vehicles, while odd numbers would denote combustion-powered models.
The manufacturer is now removing the link between alphanumeric naming and technology. This means future models, such as the A6, could be offered as petrol, hybrid, or electric variants under the same badge. Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi, stated:
“Yes, as we said earlier this year, that was a mistake, and we corrected it. We will go back to our old nomenclature: A is for flat-floor cars, Q is for SUVs, and then the number describes the size of the car or the segment of the car, full stop.”
The decision follows feedback from international dealers and customers. Marco Schubert, Sales and Marketing board member, noted that the change resulted from “intensive discussions”. Döllner also suggested it was “thinkable” that the brand could revert to using the A4 nameplate, admitting the A5 transition occurred too close to production.
This shift mirrors a broader trend of manufacturers reacting to consumer preferences regarding branding. For instance, BYD recently removed its “Build Your Dreams” lettering from European models. Tim Bryant, then-European customer manager at BYD, noted:
“BYD has listened carefully to dealer, journalist and dealer partner feedback during this past year, some in favour of the lettering and others less so.”
Audi’s return to its original nomenclature aims to provide a more transparent range for its global audience.
Source: Birmingham Live
