German luxury car manufacturer, Audi is planning to invest R102 billion in new products and technologies, between 2011 and 2015.
Around 80 percent of all investment will go to developing new products and to technologies of the future such as electric and hybrid drive systems. One example is the Audi R8 e-tron, the first electric sports car from Audi, which the company wants to begin selling in late 2012.
In the biggest investment of its history, Audi will also be upgrading its Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm sites. Audi is set to release a range of cars in 2011, including the new Audi A6 and the Audi Q5 Hybrid, the first full hybrid from the carmaker. In launching the new Audi Q3, Audi is also occupying the midsize premium SUV segment for the first time.
Audi AG board member Axel Strotbek said: "With this (R102-billion) investment, we are laying the foundation for sustained, profitable growth, and supporting our claim to leadership in the premium car segment."
Audi will not only invest money in its future, but also additional manpower. The automaker giant is looking to hire around 1,200 experts in 2011.
Another board member, Thomas Sigi, said: “Innovation requires people. For this reason, we want to hire around 1,200 experts in 2011 who will primarily bolster our electromobility and lightweight construction fields of competence, as well as the implementation of our growth strategy.”
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