HERNDON, VA - Audi held its annual meeting in Neckarsulm, Germany and as typically happens at such events, the boss got up to say a few words. In this case, Audi CEO and Chairman of the Management Board Rupert Stadler spoke and gave the usual run down on the state of the business. He also discussed some future product plans including alternative drive vehicles. Stadler reiterated that Audi is collaborating with Sanyo on advanced battery technology. Stadler also answered the question of what might become of those batteries.

Audi's on again-off again hybrid program appears to be back on again and it looks like the new Q5 mid-size crossover will be the first application, according to the manufacture. Stadler confirmed that an Audi Q5 hybrid is coming in the "near future."

Audi will also continue developing its turbocharged and direct injected gas and diesel engines for the foreseeable future as well as reducing the mass of the vehicles they are mounted in. While Audi will make efforts to build the company's knowledge base of electric propulsion, Stadler declared that it will years before affordable electric vehicles that meet mainstream customer needs are available. The company's release of the second half of the speech, where Stadler discussed these issues, is available after the jump.