Audi takes advantage of VW Group 'synergies' for EV production

MANILA: Audi plans to gradually phase out production of its internal combustion engines (ICE) in favor of EVs between now and 2033. To make that possible, the German carmaker is relying on the "synergy effects" within the Volkswagen Group that it is under. 

As part of the synergies, VW Group brands, Audi, Volkswagen, and Cupra models will come from the same assembly lines, and will widen the group's EV reach. "Synergy makes the economical transition to emissions-free premium mobility possible in proverbial Audi quality,” Audi Board Member for Production and Logistics Peter Kössler said. 

The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron push the brand's  electrification strategy. "In terms of price, they offer Audi customers an attractive point of entry into electric premium mobility," the carmaker said.

The two e-tron models share the modular electric drive system (MEB) platform with the VW ID.3 and ID.4, and Cupra Born. These EVs will be made in the company's multi-brand factory in Zwickau. "All these models are based on the MEB, but they score points with their brand-specific strengths," Audi boasted. 

“This close collaboration makes the transition to emissions-free premium mobility affordable for our customers and economically presentable for us," Kössler explained. "At the same time, we make sure that all our vehicles unmistakably carry the Audi DNA within them and leave the assembly line in almost proverbially premium quality."

At Volkswagen Saxony in Zwickau, approximately 8,500 employees are producing the group’s five current models, all carbon-neutrally, Audi said.  According to Chairman of the Board of Volkswagen Saxony Dr. Stefan Loth, the site will soon produce six more EVs. 

Photos from Audi 

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