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After killing plans for an Audi Q7 Hybrid earlier this year, Audi has decided to put plans for a Q5 Hybrid on hold - indefinitely. Audi says that it would rather focus on diesel technology for now until it can make nickel metal hydride batteries safer.

"Audi won't produce a petrol-electric hybrid until we can make nickel metal hydride batteries safer in crash situations, and hybrid technology more efficient overall," a senior source told AutoCar. "Until then we will concentrate on producing more efficient diesel engines and aluminium chassis."

Audi's Q5 will now be fitted with a stop/start technology and other features that will further reduce fuel-consumption. Audi recently showed off its Q5 3.0 TDI which averaged 38 mpg on a trip from New York to Washington.

Source: AutoCar