Audi introducing Q2, new Q5 in 2016, confirms electric SUV for 2018; investing more than €3B in 2016
28 December 2015
Audi management said that the company will continue with its high levels of investment in 2016, with planned capital expenditure to amount to more than €3 billion (US$3.3 billion). Half of the planned investment will take place at the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm sites in Germany.
Audi plans to enter a new market segment with the Audi Q2 model next year, and will also present the the successor of the Audi Q5. In 2018, Audi will launch its first large‑series battery‑electric vehicle, based on the Audi e-tron Quattro concept. (Earlier post.) By 2020, Audi will expand its model range to include 60 different automobiles. “A significant proportion of our investment is naturally in the field of alternative drive systems,” said Audi CEO Rupert Stadler.
Audi also continues to accelerate its efforts in the area of digitalization. In early December, the company acquired a one‑third interest in HERE, thus safeguarding the cooperation with a leading provider of digital maps and location-based services. (Earlier post.) Audi’s share of the purchase price amounts to €0.85 billion.
Thomas Sigi, Board of Management Member for Human Resources at Audi AG, said the company is also looking for experts in areas important for the future. Demand is particularly strong for specialists in alternative drive systems and lightweight construction, but also for IT specialists, who will further develop the fields of Audi connect, Audi mobility and smart factory in the context of digitalization.
While Audi is consciously investing in new models and technologies, as well as in the expansion of its worldwide production network, CFO Axel Strotbek said the company will carefully examine each investment. As a result, the Board of Management has decided to postpone the construction of a new wind tunnel for one year.
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