Audi in China
The Chinese market has particular strategic importance for Audi. That’s why Audi cooperates with two partners to produce locally in addition to developing market-specific technologies and managing sales ofits vehicles directly inthe market. Current model series in China: Audi A3 Sportback, Audi A3 Sedan, Audi A4 L, Audi A4 Allroad, Audi A4 Avant, Audi RS 4 Avant, Audi A5 Sportback, Audi A5 Coupé, Audi A5 Cabrio, Audi RS5 Sportback, Audi RS5 Coupé, Audi A6L, Audi A6 Avant, Audi A6 Allroad, Audi RS6 Avant
Audi in Brussels (Belgium)
Since the December 2022, Audi Brussels has been manufacturing the Audi Q8 e-tron and the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron, the four rings’ flagship electric SUVs, here. Previously, Audi’s first all-electric model, the Audi e-tron was made here. Atthe start of2020, it began series production ofthe Audi e-tron Sportback. Furthermore, the Brussels plant isthe world’s first carbon-neutral high-volume production facility inthe premium segment, as certified by independent experts. Current model series at location: Audi Q8 e-tron, Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron
Production Sites Audi Group
Peter D’hoore
David Helm
The Audi e-tron has been setting standards inthe electric SUV luxury class category since 2018; its sales successes have made thee-tron brand famous the world over. Inthe spring of2023, the new Audi Q8 e-tron will continue the success story ofthe electric pioneer under a new name – asthetop model of Audi’s electric SUVs and crossover models. Highlights include: optimized drive concept, improved aerodynamics, and higher charging performance and battery capacity, which increase the range toupto600 kilometers (according tothe WLTP). Significant updates, especially inthefrontofthe vehicle, lend the new SUV flagship a fresher appearance.
Audi offers the new Q8 e-tron intwo body variants: asa classic SUV and asa Sportback that combines the spaciousness ofan SUV with the elegant lines ofa large coupé. Standing 4,915 mmin length, 1,935 mm wide, and 1,633 mm (SUV) or 1,619 mm (Sportback high, theQ8 e-tron offers maximum space and comfort. TheSQ8e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron models are both two millimeters flatter and 39mm wider. The 2,928 mm wheelbase means that even rear seat occupants have plenty of legroom. The total luggage compartment volume is also generous, with around 630 liters (including frunk) inthe SUV and around 590 liters inthe Sportback. With dimensions like these, the Audi Q8 e-tron offers ample space for five passengers and their luggage, making itthe perfect car for long-distance drives.
Audi is facing oneofthe greatest challenges in motorsport: The brand with the four rings will be competing inthe famous Dakar Rally for the first time with an innovative prototype in2022. The alternative drive concept combines an electric drivetrain with a high-voltage battery and a highly efficient energy converter for the first time. Cross-country rallying will bethe spearhead ofthe factory motorsport commitment inthe future.
Audi atthe Dakar Rally
With the Audi Q4 e-tron and theQ4 Sportback e-tron, the brand with the Four Rings presents its first purely electric cars inthe compact segment. Under the expressively designed body, both SUVs offer a large interior, a high level of everyday usability, and astrong charging and driving performance. Depending onthe motor version, they achieve ranges ofupto534 kilometers (331.8 mi) (WLTP). The augmented reality head-up display brings a pioneering operating innovation on board on request.
Atthe end of2020, series production ofthe Audi e-tron GT will commence at Böllinger Höfe, where theR8 high-performance sports car is already being built. Although the facility uses customized new technologies, the finishing touches are applied by experienced workers with a keen eye for detail and a steady hand. The production layout is also unusual. Although the bodies ofthetwo very different models are constructed separately, they are assembled ona joint line. With this concept, which is unique inthe Volkswagen Group, Audi is demonstrating the flexibility ofits production setup at Böllinger Höfe.
Mounted inthe lower section ofthe single-frame grille, which acts asan air inlet, are highly efficient cooling elements made of graphite foam. The lightweight mineral isan excellent conductor of heat fromthe water tothe ambient air. Eight blocks with six graphite elements each are located inthe central air inlet. Another highlight oftheA2 concept arethe matrix beam LED headlights. An entire bundle of small light-emitting diodes arranged one above the other produce the low beam and high beam light. Microreflectors enable the precise positioning ofthe light. The LEDs can be switched on and off independently to illuminate the road perfectly in any situation. Numerous mini-LEDs set inthe lower section ofthe headlight like a pearl necklace produce the daytime running light. The side view ofthe technology study is also typical Audi, with brawny wheel wells, a low greenhouse and an early-sloping roof line that ends ina long rear spoiler. Sharp lines frame tautly arched sheet metal surfaces. The dynamic line above the sills rises distinctly; the tornado line below the windows runs slightly upward. Just below the tornado line isa characteristic feature ofthe Audi A2 concept – the Audi dynamic light: a band of light that connects the headlights with the tail lights. Light-emitting diodes and light guides produce the Audi dynamic light. When in standby-mode, the several centimeter-wide band appears black. When the owner ofthe Audi A2 concept approaches, it lights up blue in welcome and focuses onthe door handles, which are inset into the band and extend when the driver swipes a hand over them. The dynamic light shines bright orange when theA2 concept is driving. It pulses onthe corresponding side when indicating aturn, and when braking, a red pulse of light runs along the flank asa warning for other road users. The tail lights also use matrix beam technology.