Audi has announced that the 2009 A1 might come to the North American market, even if the other compact A3 sport wagon does not sell that well in here.

"There is absolutely a potential for that kind of vehicle in America," Stadler said at the Tokyo Motor Show. "With the A3, we have demonstrated that we can develop a new segment."

Audi CEO Rupert Stadler said that when the A1 will go into production in 2009, the U.S. market could be ripe for a luxury car in the B segment. And Mini Cooper's success in the United States and Smart's imminent debut next year have helped elevate Americans' perceptions of small cars.

Until the A1 will be launched in 2009 there are a few new models to come: the Q5 just in a few days, the A3 Convertible and dDerivatives of the A4 and A5 follow, along with the four-door A7 coupe.