A car drives off the production line in Ingolstadt every 30 seconds: more than 2,500 Audi models each day. They include the model series Audi A3*, Audi A4*, Audi A5* and Audi Q5* with their respective derivatives. Since last year, Audi has also been producing its first plug-in hybrid model here. With the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, Audi offers electric mobility with every-day practicality. A powerful electric motor and an efficient 1.4-liter TFSI combustion engine combine to offer a range of more than 900 kilometers. The low-emission Audi A3 Sportback g-tron has also been produced at the main plant since 2014. It can be driven as preferred on natural gas, gasoline or the e-gas produced by Audi. In purely e‑gas operation, the g-tron is completely CO2‑neutral. One of the main features of 2015 is the new Audi A4. After extensive modification work at the plant, the fifth generation of this successful model from Ingolstadt will soon be produced here. The plant is also making preparations for the new Audi Q1, which will supplement the Audi model range as of 2016. The decision to build this new model at the main plant is a clear commitment for Ingolstadt as a production site.

Audi once again started the new year with excellent results: Worldwide, nearly 80,000 people now work for the brand with the Four Rings and the Audi Group delivered a total of 1,741,100 automobiles to its customers in 2014. Audi achieved record unit sales in 50 countries, including China and the United States. Audi persistently follows a course of international expansion; the worldwide production network is continually being expanded. The brand is investing in new brands in Mexico and Brazil. As of 2016, Audi will have 14 car plants in twelve countries in its production network. At the same time, the domestic plants are being strengthened through investment. They are the backbone of the Group’s international success.

From 2015 until 2019, the company will invest €24 billion, which is €2 billion more than previously planned. 70 percent of the investment will flow into the development of new models and innovative technologies. More than half of the investment will be to the benefit of the plants in Germany; the largest share will be invested in Ingolstadt. On average, more than €500 million will be invested here each year until 2019. Some of the main areas of investment at the company’s main site in Bavaria will be the Audi A4 successor model, the Audi Q1, the new A4 body shop, the new paint shop and the new Audi Design Center. In addition, a large new office complex for more than 2,800 employees will be constructed on the “Area South” between the plant and the inner city.

The Audi site in Ingolstadt has been growing for many years and now covers a total area of 273.75 hectares, of which 186 hectares are covered by buildings. The land available to Audi’s main site is limited however, and expansion is needed in the region. Another focus of investment is therefore the new production facility in Münchsmünster, about 30 kilometers east of the main plant. A competence center is located there on a site of 31 hectares for the production of die-cast aluminum structural parts, hot- and cold-formed pressed parts and suspension components. Production is gradually being ramped up. At present, approximately 300 persons are working there, to be increased to about 900 by 2017. The site covers a total area of 48 hectares.

In addition, a new high-tech center has been created in Neuburg an der Donau: Audi Neuburg. This 47-hectare site is about 18 kilometers west of Ingolstadt. Audi driving experience has been carrying out driving and safety training courses here since May 2014, and this is the location of the Motorsport Competence Center, the new base of Audi Sport. Since late 2014, the motorsport team has been organizing and coordinating all the worldwide racing activities from Neuburg. The Audi racing cars for motorsport are designed, developed and constructed here; the engines for motorsport continue to be supplied from Neckarsulm. 460 people work in Neuburg: 350 Audi employees and 110 employees of partner companies.

Fir the first time, more than 40,000 people work at the site in Ingolstadt (40,027 employees as of December 31, 2014). This is a new employment record. As the region’s biggest employer, Audi also assumes responsibility for the region and wants to improve the quality of life there. The automobile manufacturer therefore cooperates closely with representatives of the city of Ingolstadt, local companies, associations, educational and social institutions. Audi Ingolstadt is the economic engine and the driving force for culture, science and sport in the region.