Audi Ditches Plans For Q5 Hybrid

Citing concerns over the safety of its nickel-metal hydride battery packs, Audi has confirmed it has ceased development of its Q5 SUV. Given that the Q7 was also dumped a few months back, why didn't Audi make the call on the Q5 then? It's far more likely that cost concern is the major factor driving this decision.

Audi might like to pay close attention to a little hybrid called the Toyota Prius, it's been around a while now using the same battery technology in question without a hitch.

With Audi having concentrated its efforts (and dollars) into the development of turbo-diesel engine technologies and use of lightweight materials in vehicle construction, there might be little demand for a hybrid Q5 anyway, especially if fuel prices keep moving downwards.

We're not buying Audi's reasoning for a second but in the grand scheme of things, is the loss of the Q5 hybrid really that important to the masses? If you're looking for low emissions and good fuel economy then Audi already has those bases covered with its turbo-diesel range. What do you think? Is Audi just trying to ditch a model it doesn't think it needs without saying as much?