According to Patrick Danau, managing director of Audi Brussels, Audi plans for the pace of production of their electric e-tron SUV to reach its full capacity by the end of the year.
After beginning production of the Audi e-tron this past September, the German automaker has just revealed that they intend to aim for the maximum output of production of the electric SUV by the end of 2019.
Since September 3rd, the e-tron SUV has been produced exclusively in Audi’s factory in Brussels, which has been designed specifically for the production of Audi’s first ever fully electric vehicle. The Brussels factory, which underwent major renovations back in 2016, was described as being “comprehensively modernized for the production of the electric car,” by Peter Kössler, Member of the Board of Management for Production and Logistics at Audi. In order to reinforce the Brussels building, Audi added more than 7,500 metric tons of steel, equivalent to the Eiffel Tower, and more than 20,000 cubic meters of concrete to its foundation. The Brussels factory’s logistics center was also completely transformed and is now the current site of production for the e-tron SUV’s 95 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Patrick Danau voiced his confidence in the production of the e-tron, stating:
“We believe that at the end of the year, we will reach our maximum capacity.”
Despite his confidence, however, Danau also expressed his caution over the endeavor, as not all matters related to production will be under Audi’s control:
“You have to bear in mind not only the company has to ramp up but also the different suppliers. They have to train their people, start their own new facilities and bring them up to the same speed that we are giving according to the plan, so that is a challenge for all of us.”
Production volume for the Audie e-tron SUV is expected to reach 20,000 units annually according to French analyst firm, Inovev.
Source: Automotive Source Europe
