Neckarsulm

Neckarsulm

Audi is writing a new chapter in its successful history of lightweight design. For the coming generation of the Audi A8, an intelligent mix of four materials will be used in the body structure for the first time – more than in any of the brand’s previous production models. The luxury sedan is thus once again rightfully claiming its role as an innovation driver in automotive lightweight design. A tradition that dates back to the year 1994, when the A8 with its aluminum unitary body in Audi Space Frame (ASF) design caused quite a sensation.

As the biggest company in the prospering Heilbronn-Franken economic region, the Neckarsulm site of AUDI AG is also one of the most attractive employers in Baden Württemberg. The city of Neckarsulm, named after the two rivers Neckar and Sulm, has approximately 26,751 inhabitants and provides 37,870 jobs. The Heilbronn-Franken region provides more than 377,237 jobs, with the automotive industry playing an important role. With 16,703 employees, Audi in Neckarsulm is the region’s biggest employer (as of December 31, 2016). The fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of all the models named above and available on the German market are listed in the last chapter of this basic information.

Audi is writing a new chapter in its lightweight design success story. For the next generation of the Audi A8*, an intelligent mix of four materials is being used for the first time in the weight-bearing body structure – more materials than in any of the brand’s previous production models. The luxury sedan is thus once again rightfully claiming its role as an innovation driver in automotive lightweight design: Its low weight and impressive rigidity offer greater performance, efficiency and safety.

The Audi plant in Neckarsulm is to receive the Automotive Lean Production Award in the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) category. The trade magazine Automobil Produktion and the consulting company Agamus Consult award the prize each year in recognition of production facilities that apply the factors of production in a particularly efficient manner. The prize will be awarded in the context of the Automotive Lean Production Congress on November 29 and 30 at the Bosch plant in Blaichach.

Audi is expanding its activities in the field of dual occupational training: 804 young people, more than ever before, will start their occupational training in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm this September. The company will continue to provide training to such large numbers of young people in the coming years, and will thus strengthen its position in the future areas of digitization and electric mobility.

Audi officially opened the new production halls for the Audi A8* at the Neckarsulm site on Friday – a milestone in the site’s strategy for the future. Production of the A8 started with the operation of a switch at the official opening.

Audi’s Production division is improving ergonomics as well as health and safety in its factories. Employees at the plants in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm, Brussels and Győr are currently testing new medical gloves. These so called production orthoses reduce pressure stress with many assembly tasks by more than 50 percent. It is planned to put the special glove into series application this year.

Accessing learning materials at any time, sharing knowledge online and developing work methods independently or in a team: Starting this training year, Audi is rolling out a concept for mobile and digital learning in 16 vocations. The brand with the four rings is the first automotive manufacturer to implement widespread use of tablet computers as learning tools based on a stringent, didactic concept. AUDI AG currently offers apprenticeships in a total of 21 vocations. This Friday, 752 new apprentices begin their careers in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. In addition, 39 young employees will begin a dual study program.

Audi will provide vocational training to even more young people in the future. The company plans to increase its number of apprentices from approximately 2,500 at present to more than 2,700 by 2018. The future specialists will support the company on its growth path, above all with its model and technology initiative. The additional apprenticeships also represent a commitment to the company’s sites in Germany.

The health of its employees has top priority for Audi. For this reason, at its plant in Neckarsulm, the company is testing a new technology that eases many assembly activities: the so-called “chairless chair.” This high-tech carbon-fiber construction allows employees to sit without a chair. At the same time, it improves their posture and reduces the strain on their legs.