Audi Wants to Grow Even After Reaching 2015 Goals
INGOLSTADT - Volkswagen AG's Audi division aims to continue expanding even if it achieves its goal of selling 1.5 million cars a year by 2015 and becoming the world's No. 1 luxury brand.
"Of course we don't want to stop there," Audi CEO Rupert Stadler told Automotive News Europe Executive Edition in an interview to be published Tuesday, February 22, reported Automotive News Europe.
Stadler said Audi has other key targets as part of its strategic roadmap. "Profitability is one of them but not the only important one. Customer satisfaction and quality are other important goals. We want to become the most successful premium brand and this means that all these targets have to be 'premium," Stadler said.
Audi urgently needs more production capacity within the next four years to reach the sales goals. Stadler said. "In Hungary we will add an additional capacity of 125.000 units as of 2013. This year the Audi Q3 has its run up in Martorell in Spain with a maximum capacity of 100.000. And we will make a decision on an U.S. facility until 2015."
Stadler said China will be Audi's top market with Germany as number two and volume increasing in the United States. "I think that our volume in the U.S. market can grow 50 percent over the next five years and that we can reach 200.000 units per year after 2015."
The UK will be Audi's fourth-largest market, followed by Italy at number five, Stadler said.
More Industry

Gone to the Dogs
A Stellantis brand decided to have some fun with one of its SUVs’ design to address growing emphasis on family pets.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands
A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.
Read More →
Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars
At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.
Read More →
Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt
Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.
Read More →
Agent Advocate
Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.
Read More →
Driving Under Distraction
Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.
Read More →
Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past
More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.
Read More →
State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads
The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.
Read More →
Consumer Outlook on the Rise
Younger generations are feeling more positive about their financial futures and current affordability pressures than older generations, according to recent TransUnion data.
Read More →