Audi is reportedly slowing the rollout of its electric models to avoid burdening factories and dealers at a time when growth in electric vehicle sales is slowing.According to the report, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said in an interview, "The first thing we considered was the release sequence and density that the organization could bear. In the end, we decided to spread it out so as not to overwhelm the team and dealers." It is reported that Audi plans to launch 20 models by 2026, half of which will be pure electric models.
Due to problems with CARIAD, the software arm of the Volkswagen Group, the launch of the Audi Q6e-tron has been delayed many times and is expected to roll off the production line in the second quarter of next year. At that time, the Audi brand will launch a new car offensive. Audi will also launch another electric model and two internal combustion engine models next year, with a third internal combustion engine model planned for 2025.
Döllner said, "The advantages of electric vehicles are gradually being recognized by consumers. With these three models, namely new electric vehicles, new generation plug-in hybrids and internal combustion engine models, we are well positioned for the transition phase to be robust and flexible."
According to reports, Volkswagen Group executives gathered in Berlin this week to discuss how to make the underperforming Volkswagen brand more profitable and how to stop the decline in the Chinese market.
In order to achieve better development in the Chinese market, Audi and SAIC reached a consensus in July this year to accelerate the development of electric vehicles through cooperation. The relevant person in charge of SAIC Group stated at the time that both parties agreed that the Chinese automobile market was undergoing an unprecedented transformation, and therefore would further deepen strategic cooperation to ensure a win-win situation.
Döllner points out, "Currently, we are still an important player in the field of internal combustion engines. Our task together with our partners is to make the Audi brand an important player in the field of electromobility as well."