Report: Second generation Audi A1 could come to the U.S.

Less than a week after complaining about the A1's lack of a U.S. visa comes word that Audi is considering bringing the second generation entry-level hatch to the States. Speaking with Automotive News at the Paris Motor Show, Audi AG board member Peter Schwarzenbauer said the chances of the next A1 coming to the U.S. are "quite high," although a decision wouldn't be made for at least another year and a half.

When development of the current A1 was underway several years ago, Audi decided that fuel prices and consumer demand were too low to justify bringing the A1 into North America. However, sales of the A3 combined with strong consumer interest in diesels – not to mention the warm reception of the Mini Cooper – have Audi reconsidering the A1's business case in the U.S. And if Audi wants to achieve its goal of becoming the world's largest luxury automaker by 2015, it will need all the sales it can get in the States.

Live photos copyright ©2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]