Audi’s diminutive A1 compact hatchback is proving to be such a hot product that the company has decided to sell the car “at short notice” in markets such as Asia.

While Audi wants to focus on European markets first, the car will eventually be sold in Asia, with Audi deciding on a strategy for the Chinese market. “Many of the Asian markets are now showing a trend toward smaller vehicles,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s head of sales. “For that reason, it’s right to sell the A1 also in those regions.”

Audi plans to produce around 100,000 A1s per year, with the vehicle being targeted at younger, professional types. A starting price of under $20,000 will help lure customers away from more mainstream brands.

Unfortunately, the earliest the A1 will arrive in North America will be in the car’s next generation, something that will take an absolute minimum of 4 years.

source autoguide.com