#RupertStadler

Volkswagen Group has announced that Audi Chair Rupert Stadler’s contract has been terminated with the automaker.

Former Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, who was arrested in June on suspicions of fraud and false advertising, has filed an appeal with the German courts to be released from prison.

Rupert Stadler, Audi’s embattled CEO, was arrested Monday “as part of an investigation into diesel affairs and Audi engines,” according to a release from the Munich prosecutor’s office.

At the 2012 Audi Annual Press Conference, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler confirmed that the German automaker will be manufacturing plug-in hybrid variants of their A3, A4, and Q7 models.

BMW’s decision to build the X6 coupe-styled SUV may have seemed absurd at first, but demand for the unique and sporty AWD machine has far exceeded expectations, giving rise to rumors of competitors from the automaker’s main rivals.

Much like parent company Volkswagen has its sights set on global domination, Audi feels it will soon surpass BMW to become the world’s number one premium automaker. According to CEO Rupert Stadler, Audi believes it can overtake BMW by 2015.

Audi execs have repeatedly said that the A1 mini-car will not be sold in the U.S. But now Audi boss Rupert Stadler has confirmed that it will be sold here, but not any time soon. According to a report by Car & Driver, Audi is planning to sell its second-generation of the MINI competitor in North America.

With Audi‘s recent unveiling of the A8 Hybrid at the Geneva Auto Show and news the Q5 Hybrid is on its way, Audi has made known plans to add more hybrid models, starting with the A6. According to a report by AutoWeek, the next-generation A6 will be offered in full hybrid form late in 2012 as a 2013 model.

Audi will revive the A2 model, to slot in between its A3 hatchback and the funky new A1 model, which the company debuted at the Geneva Auto Show last week. “There’s clearly room for another product and another concept between the A3 and A1,” said Audi CEO Rupert Stadler to AutoWeek, which comes as a bit of a surprise considering how close the two models really are.

Shown previously during the Design Week festivities in Miami, Audi’s new 2011 A8 flagship luxury sedan has now made its auto show debut in Detroit. Now you might not have believed that Audi’s massive front grille could get any more…. well… massive, but it has.

During a press conference that focused on Audi’s E-Tron electric concept, the German automaker didn’t give much time to hybrid technology – except to add on that hybrid versions of the Q5 and A8 are coming…. soon.

On December 1st Audi will finally reveal its next generation of the company’s A8 flagship luxury sedan. The unveiling will occur at a specially built Pavilion on Miami Beach, coinciding with the Audi-sponsored Design Miami and Art Basel Miami Beach art and design fairs.

Along with the all new A8, Audi will debut its “The Art of Progress” exhibit, of works inspired by the A8.

The choice of debuting the car at an art festival is no coincidence, as the new A8 is expected to be a stunning vehicle, with an all-new look, more in keeping with the automaker’s new design direction, as seen with cars like the A5/S5.

“The new Audi A8 embodies everything Audi stands for: fascinating innovation, uncompromising perfection, consummate craftsmanship, iconic design and new ways of thinking,” says Audi Borad Chair Rupert Stadler. This is why we chose to present this car in this progressive environment while continuing our commitment to fostering design culture and the arts.”

Official release after the jump: