Audi’s headquarters in Ingolstadt has taken a significant step towards sustainable and flexible production with the launch of the Audi Q6 e-tron series. Since the start of production in late 2023, the Ingolstadt plant has been manufacturing the Q6 e-tron series, marking Audi’s first high-volume fully electric model series produced at its headquarters.
As of January 1, 2024, Ingolstadt became the third Audi location to manufacture with net zero emissions, following Brussels (2018) and Győr (2020). The headquarters in Ingolstadt is also the first Audi location in Germany to have its battery assembly facility, highlighting Audi’s dedication to sustainable production practices.
The production of the Q6 e-tron series incorporates state-of-the-art technology, including a new battery assembly facility for PPE models. This facility covers an area of approximately 30,000 square meters and employs 300 workers in three shifts with an automation rate of nearly 90 percent. The facility can assemble up to 1,000 high-voltage batteries per day, initially for the Q6 e-tron series. Audi is leveraging the expertise gained from its Brussels colleagues and the battery testing center in Gaimersheim to enhance battery production capabilities.
The production of the Q6 e-tron series also involves retooling and a flexible equipment concept in the body shop. Audi has integrated production domains such as the body shop for the PPE into existing structures, utilizing existing systems and equipment for assembly. The highly flexible equipment enables the seamless launch of future models and sustainable resource utilization.
Furthermore, Audi has enhanced automation in the paint shop, extending the dryer after the cathodic dip coating process and introducing automated procedures for sealing holes in the bodies. The paint shop utilizes automated production technology for surface inspection and finishing, ensuring process reliability and quality monitoring.
At the press shop in Münchsmünster, Audi has upgraded the hot-forming process for the PPE, enhancing the stability and crash safety of sheet metal components. The equipment’s flexibility allows for the production of components for both electric and combustion-engine models based on the PPE and PPC platforms.
hrough voluntary offsetting projects worldwide, Audi aims to offset carbon emissions generated during the supply chain, manufacturing, and recycling of vehicles.