2012 Audi E-tron Sales to be Limited to 1000?

When the Audi E-tron goes on sale in 2012 , production will reportedly be limited to only 1000 units.

The E-tron is a unique high-performance electric car aimed at the Tesla Roadster and the forthcoming electrified version of Mercedes-Benz’s SLS AMG. This status makes production of 1000 units of the car a comparatively high number, as it took Tesla several years to sell even 500 Roadsters. Achim Badstubner, head of Audi’s exterior design, told Autocar he believes this number is achievable, as Audi has over 5000 dealerships worldwide.

“There are always people who want to be first to own new technology,” Badstubner told Autocar.

Even though Badstubner believes selling 1000 units is achievable, he said that Audi will build the E-trons to order and cease production if the cars don’t sell out. Production will likely begin with 100 cars sometime in 2011, all of which will be leased to customers. (2012 models, however, are likely to be sold.)

Audi’s target customers for the E-tron are well-off (prices are set to be “above R8” levels), looking to make an environmental statement, or are simply seeking an unconventional, avant-garde sports car.

Source: Autocar