Manufacturing Today Issue - 233 Feb 2025 | Page 19

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Interview
“ We decided to locate the battery assembly here , near our electric car production for logistical purposes and to increase the value chain within our factories , which makes sense as they are key components for our electric cars ,” Gerd Walker continues . “ We have been producing electric cars since 2018 , demonstrating not only our capability but also our production flexibility . The Audi Q6 e-tron is the first all-electric model to roll off the production line in Ingolstadt alongside the Audi A6 e-tron , and production of all-electric cars will gradually start in Neckarsulm , San José Chiapa , and Győr too . By the end of this decade , all production sites will be producing at least one all-electric vehicle model . This is an important phase for all sites as we can optimize our processes , incorporating technologies and expertise from other plants .”
To ensure it will be able to respond more flexibly to fluctuations in customer demand or production program , Audi will make its manufacturing processes even more flexible . “ We want to structure both product and production , so we get the optimum benefit for our customers ,” Gerd Walker explains . Audi produces the Q6 e-tron and the A6 e-tron on one joint assembly line . The Audi A3 and Audi Q2 with combustion engines are being made on another assembly line within the same plant . Electric models will then gradually replace the combustion cars in this production site .
“ As I touched on earlier , to create more circular value chains , we use recycled materials where possible , from windshield glass to upholstery fabric . In addition to keeping post-consumer secondary materials in a closed loop , post-industrial materials are also recycled . The primary goal in this regard is to reduce CO 2 emissions . With the Aluminum Closed Loop launched in 2017 , Audi is demonstrating the responsible handling of aluminum . Aluminum sheet offcuts produced in the press shop are returned to the material
Audi produces the Q6 e-tron and the A6 e-tron on one joint assembly line . The Audi A3 and Audi Q2 with combustion engines are being made on another assembly line within the same plant
cycle . By recycling aluminum waste in this way , the company uses up to 95 percent less energy to produce aluminum than would be necessary for primary aluminum .”
The Audi brand stands for premium quality , the forward-looking and sparing use of resources , and environmentally friendly production . Through its environmental program Mission : Zero , Audi is consolidating all related environmental protection measures .
Since it was founded in 1909 , its cars have combined sportiness , cutting-edge design and “ Vorsprung durch Technik ”. “ Audi is a progressive premium brand , well positioned to further push the e-mobility transformation . It ’ s not purely about selling cars ; from infrastructure to digital technology , it ’ s an entire ecosystem and we want to offer our customers a premium experience . Audi takes its responsibility to people and the planet seriously ; not only for employees , but also for the people and the natural world in the regions where our sites are located and beyond ,” Gerd Walker concludes . “ We promote education and charitable organizations , culture and sports . Through the Audi Environmental Foundation , we are proud to support research into new technologies and scientific methods for a livable future .” ■
www . audi . com
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