Behind the Scenes: A Look at Audi Manufacturing
Recently, Audi changed the world with the introduction of the first-ever e-tron: an all-electric luxury SUV like nothing else on the road. Showcasing equal parts uber-efficient performance capability, head-turning style, and world-class comfort, the Audi e-tron has wowed critics and consumers alike. Just as impressive as the e-tron’s features are the design and engineering that has gone into creating this one-of-a-kind automobile.
Audi e-tron
To educate consumers on this latest evolution of automotive technology, Audi filmed the development and production of the e-tron every step of the way:
Audi Smart Factory
In addition to innovative introductions in the all-electric vehicle segment, Audi is also breaking new ground in the automotive manufacturing world. Audi sees a future of manufacturing where vehicles are produced along a chain of “competence islands” instead of assembly lines.
Humans and robots work hand in hand, providing the precision assembly only robotics can ensure and the attention to detail only humans can guarantee. Vehicle body panels emerge from massive 3D printers, providing on-demand manufacturing that reduces waste and allows greater flexibility in model updates. Audi calls it the “smart factory,” and the automaker believes the end result will be higher quality products that reach consumers faster and at lower costs.
Automobile production as we know it today will no longer exist in the future. It will become more connected, more intelligent and more efficient. At the same time, our employees will continue to be the drivers of successful production. New specialists such as network architects will increasingly move into our industry. With their IT expertise, they will configure machinery so that all processes will be extremely well coordinated and the factory equipment will optimally support the employees.
- Prof. Dr. Hubert Waltl, Audi’s Board of Management Member for Production
If all this excites you, then we have good news. Many of these new manufacturing technologies are already hard at work at Audi production facilities across the globe, and the revolutionary e-tron is already available right here in the Audi Silver Spring showroom. In addition, other all-electric models are on the way, following Audi’s promise that a third of the brand’s lineup will be battery-powered (and still impressive). To learn more, contact our sales staff online to schedule a personal introduction to the modern world of Audi.
Image and Video Credit: Audi