Audi Q7 hybrid postponed

31/07/2008 01:23. Audis plan to offer the Q7 with hybrid drive from the end of the year has been placed on indefinite hold.

According to the German manufacturers head of research and development, Michael Dick, the company has diverted engineering resources into developing its lithium ion battery technology.

In an exclusive interview with Autocar, Dick confirmed that Audi has abandoned an earlier strategy that would have seen the Q7 offered with a petrol-electric hybrid system based around a nickel-metal hydride battery system but that development work on a hybrid version of the new Q5 is pushing ahead.

We have decided to make lithium ion a priority, says Dick. Its clear this technology will become increasingly important in coming years and we want to make sure we are at the forefront when it comes... // Autocar