A second electric car for Audi’s production network
Audi is beefing up its product portfolio with a new e-tron model. Production of the Audi e-tron Sportback will commence at Audi Brussels (Belgium) in 2019, giving the plant responsibility for the production of a second fully-electric model. From 2018 onwards, the first electric Audi e-tron SUV drives off the assembly line here as well.
In addition to the Audi e-tron, the car manufacturer is integrating a second, brand new electric car – the Audi e-tron Sportback – into its existing production network and thus enhancing its competitiveness in this key future segment. "By opting for the Audi e-tron Sportback, Audi is demonstrating just how seriously it takes the electric mobility theme. A second, fully-electric battery-powered sports coupé will make optimal use of the Brussels plant", says Prof. Dr. Hubert Waltl, Director of Production and Logistics at AUDI AG.
The basis for this new e-vehicle is the Audi e-tron Sportback concept design study, which the company unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show 2017. This versatile concept car is a four-door Gran Turismo with a 320 kW electric engine. The coupe’s innovative design combines traditional Audi elements with trendsetting features. Indeed, technology, electric propulsion and style have been consistently and seamlessly aligned to striking effect.
The allocation of a second model to the Brussels site was preceded by successful negotiations for increased flexibility and job security until 2020, such as at AUDI AG. The agreement between Audi Brussels management and their social partners also enables the Brussels plant to meet the AUDI AG objective of producing an additional number of Audi A1 vehicles during the 2017-2018 period.
The management and trade unions agreed that, during 2017, they could draw on the temporary extension of the afternoon shift, in addition to the agreement already concluded on working through breaks, in order to guarantee the requested Audi A1 volumes. In 2018, greater Audi A1 volumes will be achieved via a temporary customised working model, in addition to the agreement on working through breaks.
In addition to the Audi e-tron, the car manufacturer is integrating a second, brand new electric car – the Audi e-tron Sportback – into its existing production network and thus enhancing its competitiveness in this key future segment. "By opting for the Audi e-tron Sportback, Audi is demonstrating just how seriously it takes the electric mobility theme. A second, fully-electric battery-powered sports coupé will make optimal use of the Brussels plant", says Prof. Dr. Hubert Waltl, Director of Production and Logistics at AUDI AG.
The basis for this new e-vehicle is the Audi e-tron Sportback concept design study, which the company unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show 2017. This versatile concept car is a four-door Gran Turismo with a 320 kW electric engine. The coupe’s innovative design combines traditional Audi elements with trendsetting features. Indeed, technology, electric propulsion and style have been consistently and seamlessly aligned to striking effect.
The allocation of a second model to the Brussels site was preceded by successful negotiations for increased flexibility and job security until 2020, such as at AUDI AG. The agreement between Audi Brussels management and their social partners also enables the Brussels plant to meet the AUDI AG objective of producing an additional number of Audi A1 vehicles during the 2017-2018 period.
The management and trade unions agreed that, during 2017, they could draw on the temporary extension of the afternoon shift, in addition to the agreement already concluded on working through breaks, in order to guarantee the requested Audi A1 volumes. In 2018, greater Audi A1 volumes will be achieved via a temporary customised working model, in addition to the agreement on working through breaks.
General Director for Technology and Logistics and spokesperson for the Audi Brussels Executive Committee, Patrik Danau: "Audi Brussels was able to meet AUDI AG's demand thanks to the agreed flexibility measures. We are delighted that the management board, managers, social partners and staff have collectively succeeded in securing a second model at Brussels, thus assuring long-term job security in Belgium."
Approximately 3,000 people currently work at Audi Brussels. As of next year, these employees will actively shape the future of electric mobility: the company will begin the exclusive production of the brand with four rings’ first fully-electric battery-powered SUV for the global market in 2018. The plant is also receiving its own battery production facility.