The plan forms part of a reshuffle at Audi under which production of the A1 sub-compact would be shifted from Brussels to the Spanish plant of VW’s Seat unit and the Q3 compact SUV from Spain to an Audi factory in Hungary.
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The models that would be shuffled around include the Audi Q7 and A1, now being built in the Belgian plant, both of which would be shifted to Spain. “The new model distribution will enhance our production efficiency and strengthen all of the sites involved”, stated Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG.
Audi’s labour boss has criticised the company’s plans to focus production of the brand’s first mass-produced electric model outside its German home market.
The E-Tron Quattro concept was shown previous year at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show which was an all electric crossover model. The model decisions protect jobs and promote the internationalization of the production network.
Audi’s e-tron Quattro, powered by three electric engines, is expected to run for over 500km per charge based on a 95 kWh battery pack that can be fully recharged in about 50 minutes. Batteries for the vehicle will also be made there.
“The Martorell plant has a long-standing experience and manufactures the Q3 with the highest quality”, said Audi production chief Hubert Waltl.
Audi says that the all-electric SUV will fit right in between Audi Q7 and Audi Q5 in the product range.
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Quick battery charging capabilities are set to be offered, but Audi isn’t providing details about that. The site in Belgium will thus become a key plant for electric mobility at the Volkswagen Group. The site in Hungary already produces four Audi models, including the A3 Sedan, the A3 Cabriolet, the TT and the TT Roadster.
