Audi to launch 17 models globally; to invest 22 billion Euros by 2018

Audi AG is starting the second stage of model offensive this year and is going ahead with the biggest investment program in the brand’s history, approximately 22 billion Euros by 2018. The company is planning to launch 17 new models and derivatives globally in 2014. In the recently concluded 125th Annual General Meeting of Audi AG, the company informed its shareholders about all the key metrics of the past financial year and the strong performance of the brand. During the first four months, the company has delivered more than 561,900 automobiles to its customers, an increase of 11% when compared to 502,989 units delivered in the same period in 2013.

Audi is planning to grow in all the regions of the world in 2014 and is anticipating an increase in revenue to more than 50 billion Euros. Of the 22 billion Euro investment program, 70% will be used for the expansion and modernization of its model range and its technology and innovation portfolio. While the international manufacturing structures will be expanded systematically, Audi is also looking to increase its advance expenditure for new models and technologies and the attention will be specially on CO2 regulations worldwide. On the sales side, the company is expecting an 8 to 10% growth in operating return on sales.

In his speech at the headquarters in Ingolstadt, Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, emphasized the strategic goal of the automobile manufacturer until 2020: “We are tackling our tasks with a highly motivated team, with the clear ambition to be the number one. We are starting the second stage of our model offensive this year.”

“Despite intensive advance expenditure for the future of our company, we intend to achieve an operating return on sales within our strategic target corridor of eight to ten percent,” stated Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management for Finance and Organization, at the Annual General Meeting.

Audi has also started operating special shifts to meet the demand for the cars. The company has plans to recruit around 2,000 new experts and 750 apprentices in Germany this year. Last financial year, Audi delivered 1,575,480 automobiles in Europe, an increase of 8.3% against 1,455,123 automobiles delivered in 2012.

As a part of the model offensive, Audi recently unveiled the new Audi A7 facelift with Matrix LED lights and other new features. In India, also the company recently launched the new Audi A8 and will be launching the A3 sedan soon.

Source : CarDekho