It looks like the overall economic troubles in Europe may be claiming more victims from +Audi International's electric vehicle plans. In addition to the R-8 e-tron sports car and a battery powered A3, Audi had been planning two smaller plug-ins primarily for urban use.

The A2 was being aimed directly at BMW's upcoming i3. However, the Munich brand has recently been wondering if it will be able to meets its sales targets for the carbon-fiber chassis premium commuter although for now at least BMW remains committed to the i3. Audi however has decided that there isn't enough of a market for a €40k commuter car.

The more unfortunate victim to me was the proposed A1 e-tron.  Like the +Chevrolet Volt, the A1 is extended range EV with a battery that gives 30 miles of electric range. Unlike the 1.4-liter four cylinder engine in the Volt, Audi opted for a much more compact Wankel rotary engine to drive a generator after the battery runs down. Weak European demand for the +Nissan Leaf and +Mitsubishi Motors North America iMiEV has prompted a re-think of small EVs in general.

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Image: Audi pulls plug on €40k A2 electric car
Audi pulls plug on €40k A2 electric car. By Ollie Kew. Motor Industry. 02 June 2012 07:00. CAR can reveal that Audi has cancelled its electric A2 city car project, citing concerns over the model's…

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Johan de Nysschen has apparently stepped down as president of Audi of America after 7 years of heading up VW's premium brand on these shores. Throughout de Nysschen's tenure here with Audi the brand has seen steady growth and a long string of record sales.

No reason was given for his departure, but Automotive News http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120601/OEM02/120609978/1295/audis-u-s-chief-de-nysschen-says-he-is-leaving is reporting that it had nothing to do with the recent management changes back at the home office in Germany. Evidently he has received a better offer from somewhere else.

It will be interesting to see where he lands next. Acura is one possibility as Honda's premium division tries to find a direction for itself while Lincoln might be another possibility. I'm sure we won't have to wait long.

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BREAKING: Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen Steps Down – WOT on Motor Trend
Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen resigns. Does the move spell trouble at the German automaker?

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