The world premiere of the Audi Q6 e-tron in spring gave the green light for Audi’s model initiative: In 2024 and 2025 alone, Audi will launch more than 20 new models – over ten of them are all-electric. CEO Gernot Döllner talks about the model launches in the coming weeks and shares a first look at the new Audi A5.
A future-proof portfolio “Over the coming years, we will expand our range of electric models step by step. At the same time, we will rejuvenate our portfolio of models with combustion engines. This will give us a robust and flexible position as we transition to an all-electric portfolio.” Upcoming model launches “In just a few days, we will introduce the next model family: the Audi A5. The Audi A6 e-tron will follow in late July, and the new Audi Q5 in fall.” Audi A5 – Modern sportiness meets premium proportions “The new Audi A5 family will celebrate its world premiere on July 16 and represents the beginning of the next generation of combustion engines, which will be more efficient thanks to partially electric driving.” Audi A6 e-tron – Rethinking the upper mid-size segment “The A6 e-tron is the first electric Audi available to our customers as a Sportback and Avant at market launch. Its striking design and outstanding performance, efficiency, and range offer plenty of reasons to switch to electric mobility now.” Audi Q5 – Third-generation recipe for success “The Audi Q5 has represented the success of Audi for over 15 years. With the third generation of our most successful SUV, we will begin rejuvenating our SUV portfolio with combustion engines and partially electrified versions in fall.” Vorsprung durch Technik “We have a clear vision for redefining “Vorsprung durch Technik”, focused on design, UI/UX, driving dynamics, and efficiency. With our new Q6 e-tron, A6 e-tron, A5, and Q5 models, we’re leaving no room for doubt about the direction we’re headed.”
The Audi A6 e-tron will follow at the end of July and the new Q5 in the fall. This is how we show: Audi delivers.” Revenue at €30.9 billion, operating profit reaches €2.0 billion, net cash flow at €1.1 billion.
The Audi Group stabilized its financial performance in the second quarter of 2024. At the same time, Audi is putting numerous new models on the road. Following the world premiere of the new Audi A5, the second all-electric model on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), the Audi A6 e-tron, will follow at the end of July. At the same time, the Audi Group is working intensively on achieving its economic targets with the Performance Program 14. Revenue amounted to €30.9 billion in the first half of the year, down 9.5 percent on the strong prior-year figure. Operating profit amounted to €2.0 billion. The operating margin reached 6.4 percent and net cash flow €1.1 billion. The Brand Group Progressive** delivered 843,991 vehicles in the first six months. The share of electric vehicles (BEV) developed positively, with 76,657 models delivered (+ 1.3 percent).
“Audi is working resolutely on its financial performance,” says CFO Jürgen Rittersberger. “We are in a year of transition. We improved in the second quarter but still have a challenging road ahead. With our Performance Program 14, we are increasing our efficiency and consistently tapping into cost and revenue potential. At the same time, our company is launching numerous new models.” Deliveries: BEV growth despite difficult market environment In the first half of 2024, the Brand Group Progressive delivered 843,991 cars of the Audi, Bentley, and Lamborghini brands (-8.2 percent). There were also 32,098 motorcycles from the Ducati brand (-8.6 percent). The Audi brand increased its deliveries in the second quarter by 10 percent compared with the first quarter of 2024, particularly in the all-electric models (+15 percent).
Read the key statements from AUDI CEO Gernot Döllner on the company’s strategic direction in China, the new factory in Changchun, the China-only Audi Q6L e-tron, and the charging cooperation with Porsche.
The Audi strategy for China ”With a strong product line-up, a clear plan for localization and regionalization, and our partners FAW and SAIC, we have all it takes to remain a strong player in the Chinese market.” “The new Audi Q6L e-tron, as well as future models on the Premium Platform Electric, will be produced in a completely new factory in Changchun. There, we are building our most state-of-the-art production site in China.” “By the end of 2024, Audi FAW NEV Company will start production of the Q6L e-tron, the first of three models from the Audi Q6 e-tron and Audi A6 e-tron family to be produced in Changchun. We expect deliveries to customers will begin next year.” “Together with our partner SAIC, we plan to develop intelligent connected BEV models to further strengthen our position in the Chinese market.” The new Audi Q6L e-tron “With the Q6L e-tron, we are bringing the technological benefits of our new Premium Platform Electric to China. Our customers will benefit from impressive range and charging performance, outstanding driving experience, and a distinctive, China-specific BEV design.” “The Q6L e-tron will be more different from the global model than ever before. It has an extended wheelbase which offers room for a larger battery. Highly efficient electric drivetrains and a newly developed 107-kWh lithium-ion battery ensure a range of more than 700 kilometers.” ”The interior is consistently designed to meet the needs of Chinese customers, featuring market-specific connectivity solutions, functions for automated driving and parking, and a China-specific version of the digital Audi Assistant.” The charging cooperation with Porsche “We will expand our existing charging offer in China by joining forces with Porsche.
Audi presents a dedicated variant from the Q6 e-tron family for its largest market, China, at Auto China in Beijing Audi CEO Gernot Döllner: "With the Q6L e-tron, we are bringing a tailor-made offering for our customers in China" The Q6L e-tron is the first PPE model to be built in the new factory in Changchun
The Audi Q6 e-tron series are the first production models on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), marking the next step in the company's transformation into a provider of premium electric mobility. At the Beijing Auto Show 2024, the brand with the four rings is presenting a tailored variant for the Chinese market - the Audi Q6L e-tron.
The electrically powered car will be shown as an exterior model at the spring motor show in the Chinese capital; the series version will then make its public debut in the fourth quarter of 2024. Like other PPE models for the Chinese market, the Audi Q6L e-tron will be locally produced in a new factory in Changchun. The first deliveries to customers will take place in 2025. The Audi Q6L e-tron is defined by impressive driving and charging performance, excellent efficiency, and an even greater range than the global model. The wheelbase, longer by 105 millimeters, also allows the installation of a larger battery. With it, CLTC ranges of more than 700 kilometers will be possible. The letter “L” in the name signals the long wheelbase, which is also becoming the hallmark of outstanding long-distance capability. Audi has been building “L” models with an extended wheelbase for the Chinese market for decades. The A6L and A4L are the best-known large-volume versions, alongside the Q5L, A8L, and A8L Horch. Now, Audi is adding the L model to the Q6 e-tron family - providing even more space, comfort, and everyday usability. Together with the new interior design philosophy, the Q6L e-tron is creating a very exclusive and generous space for passengers in the market.
“Following the world debut of the Audi Q6 e-tron and the Audi Q6L e-tron, which was just introduced in Beijing and was developed specifically for the Chinese market, the next fully electric model will follow this summer in the form of the A6 e-tron. With the new generation of the A5 and Q5, we’ll also be launching our first models based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) in the second half of the year. This transition will be demanding for us. With our strong team, highly attractive new models and a clear agenda for more speed, we’re positioning ourselves for the future. We’re shaping the transformation from a position of strength.” Deliveries to customers In the first quarter of the year, Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini delivered 402,048 vehicles for the Brand Group Progressive (Q1 2023: 421,824). The decline of 4.7 percent year on year was mainly caused by a difficult market and supply situation. On top of that were 12,394 motorcycles from the Ducati brand (Q1 2023: 14,769). The Audi brand handed over 396,912 vehicles to customers (Q1 2023: 415,684). Deliveries of fully electric models increased by 3 percent to 35,630 vehicles (Q1 2023: 34,584). Overview of regions In Europe, the Audi brand delivered 162,432 vehicles in the first quarter (Q1 2023: 181,001). The decline of around 10 percent was mainly caused by the intense competitive situation in Europe, the difficult supply situation and a strike in Mexico. After all, the Audi Q5 is also produced for the European market at the Mexican plant. Deliveries of fully electric vehicles were around 9 percent lower than the same period last year. In Germany, customers’ reluctance showed following the elimination of the environmental bonus. After a strong end to 2023, deliveries in Germany fell to 46,237 vehicles in the first quarter, including 5,434 fully electric models.
New market-specific Audi models including the Q6L e-tron to debut on all-electric booth at the international auto show in Beijing Strategic insight into the brand’s activities on the Chinese market shared at Audi press conference and Volkswagen Group Night by Audi CEO Gernot Döllner The strategic importance of Chinese market to Audi is apparent through the local production of vehicles based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE)
Ahead of Auto China 2024 in Beijing, Audi is poised to showcase its strategy and all-electric portfolio for the world’s largest automotive market. With them, the brand with the four rings is strengthening the foundation for continued success in the country. Highlights at the booth include the world premiere of the Audi Q6L e-tron, set to be produced at the new Audi FAW NEV Company factory in Changchun. At Volkswagen’s Group Night and at an Audi press conference on opening day, Audi will also outline its further roadmap for the electric transformation of its offering in China.
Audi is set to make a bold statement with a number of new models when Auto China 2024 opens on April 25. The vehicles and variants showcased at the Audi booth highlight the company’s continued focus on serving the Chinese market’s specific requirements. The fact all vehicles on display will be fully electric also demonstrates that Audi remains committed to meeting the growing demand for new energy vehicles in China. Volkswagen Group Night and Audi booth to feature world premieres The exterior of the new Audi Q6L e-tron is set to be unveiled at the Volkswagen Group Night on April 24. The Q6L e-tron will be shown for the first time at Auto China from April 25 to May 4, as will the Q5 e-tron RS edition for the Chinese market. Additionally, the SQ6 will make its first appearance in the country.
Their key statements at a glance:
Gernot Döllner: “The Audi Q6 e-tron, which celebrated its world premiere last night, marks the first time electric mobility is coming from Ingolstadt.” “The Audi Q6 e-tron is the start of an extensive product initiative that we will use to rejuvenate our portfolio over the coming years. We are planning more than 20 new models in 2024 and 2025, including the presentation of the Audi A6 e-tron in the summer of 2024 and the new generation of the Audi A5 and Q5 as the first models on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) in the second half of the year.” “Despite the recent public debate, there is no doubt the future of the car is electric. At Audi, we will electrify all core segments by 2027 and have defined a fully electric target portfolio. In addition, the transitional period will require starting off with highly efficient combustion-engine models and plug-in hybrids. With the models that are coming now, we are well positioned and able to actively respond to a range of customer requirements.” “The 50 percent increase in electric vehicles delivered in 2023 confirms our path toward electric mobility.” “We are experiencing rapid transformation in the automotive industry. Technological revolutions, new competitors, and a difficult global economy are challenging all established car manufacturers.” “We can shape the transformation from a position of strength. But in this complex environment, focus and speed are critical.” “The Audi Agenda focuses on three key areas in product, technology, and brand positioning, as well as on a plan for the crucial markets of China and North America.”
Suitability for everyday use confirmed: a Paralympian and a wheelchair user test the Audi charging hub The Audi Q4 e-tron model family offers driving aids from the factory Ample room between charging stations and adjustable and lightweight equipment are decisive factors for easy use
When creating infrastructure for electric vehicles, it is important to remember people with mobility requirements. Audi brand ambassador Gerd Schönfelder, the most successful Winter Paralympian of all time, and Audi driver Uwe Herrmann have clear ideas on what charging without barriers and disability-friendly vehicle modifications should look like. Schönfelder lost his right arm and shoulder in an accident at the age of 19, while Hermann has been using a wheelchair since adolescence. While Schönfelder has been driving an Audi Q4 e-tron for the past 18 months, Herrmann (still) drives an Audi with a gasoline engine and is curious to hear about Schönfelder’s experiences. At the opening of the sixth Audi charging hub in Frankfurt am Main, the two men met up for a chat.
Gerd Schönfelder: Public charging stations must be accessible for all electric car drivers, including people with mobility needs. With its barrier-free features like the swivel arm and the height-adjustable display, the Audi charging hub is a great place for people like us with disabilities to charge their cars in a comfortable environment quickly. In my opinion, however, everybody benefits from the barrier-free concept at this charging facility. Uwe Herrmann: I’m still driving a car with a gasoline engine, but everything I’ve heard about e-mobility to date sounds positive. And the Audi charging hub looks promising, too. Sometimes, I have to ask for help filling up my current Audi SQ5 when the car is in an awkward position. But that could soon change with an electrically powered Audi at a charging point like this.