Audi to Build Cars in North America

Washington DC July 11, 2011; The AIADA newsletter reported that Audi AG has decided to build a vehicle assembly plant in North America and is considering an additional engine and transmission plant.

Automotive News reports that Volkswagen Group's premium brand is completing details of the assembly plant – including models, location, and capacity. Audi CEO Rupert Stadler said all decisions will be made within three years. "It is totally clear that we need new production capacity in the U.S.," Stadler said. "The question only is when."

Audi set a sales record in 2010 with 101,629 sales in the United States. Stadler said Audi plans to increase U.S. sales by 10 to 20 percent this year and could surpass 150,000 units by 2015. "Our dealers currently ask for more cars than we can deliver," he said. "Our delivery times are still too high." Under Audi's "Strategy 2020" plan, the brand aims to nearly double its global sales by the end of the decade.

Last year, Audi sold 1.1 million new cars. The original goal of 1.5 million cars for 2015 will be reached a year earlier than planned, Stadler said, and by 2020 Audi wants to sell 2 million cars.

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