Rupert Stadler, Audi's CEO, announced that the company plans to increase the number of car models it makes from the current 26 to more than 40 by 2015.

He said production will also be expanded, with the option of building a plant in the United States being examined.

"We are studying the possibility of having a manufacturing plant in the U.S.A.," he said, adding that Audi could do this together with parent company Volkswagen.

But he said it is also possible Audi may set up its own production facility in the United States.

The A1 minicar will be launched in 2010 and will be built exclusively in Brussels. it will be offered as a hatchback, a cabrio, sportback and possibly a SUV.

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