Audi pumps up production of A3 Sportback e-tron

Around 50 cars a day, in the same bar and on the same line as the other models. Audi is now according high priority to production of its A3 Sportback e-tron high. The first plug-in hybrid model of the brand manufactures the premium manufacturer in the plant in Ingolstadt.

"We have the series production of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron started in the summer," says Dr Hubert Waltl, Board Member for Production at Audi AG. "The assembly is mostly integrated in the A3-line, a special manufacturing is not required. This proves the flexibility and performance of our planners and employees. "

 The compact five-door model combines a 1.4 TFSI engine with a 75 kW electric motor and take it as a system output of 150 kW (204 hp). Despite the sporty performance, fuel consumption in the NEDC cycle is only 1.5 litres of fuel per 100 km (35 grams of CO2 per kilometre). In the electrical operation of the A3 Sportback e-tron travels up to 50 kilometres, come with the petrol engine again up to 890 kilometres added.

"In September we have the production of the A3 Sportback e-tron first run up to around 30 cars a day," says director of production Waltl. "Our ridgeline now stands at around 50 copies a day. Just in case we do not also hold additional capacity ready. "

Peter Kössler, Ingolstadt plant manager, says: "Dealing with high-voltage systems in series production was for us a new challenge. We have mastered it well. For all assembly steps, we realise maximum safety for our employees and quality for our customers. "

Throughout the installation process, the security is a top priority. All employees who come into contact with the A3 Sportback e-tron, have received a safety briefing for the new technology; some employees in the direct area are qualified as electricians or electrical specialists responsible for vehicle technology.