Audi Opens New Assembly Line in China

Capitalizing on the increasing say the Chinese automotive market is beginning to have for its sales, German manufacturer Audi announced the opening, together with partner FAW, of a new assembly hall at the facility in Changchun. The new line will be used for the assembly of the A4 and the Q5.

“This substantial increase in our production capacities will fuel our continued growth and boost China’s position as a strategically important market,” Rupert Stadler, Audi chairman of the board said in a release. “The expansion of our production capacities is a key mile marker along the route to this destination.”

In August, Audi reported a 33 percent increase in sales in the Asia Pacific region, bringing the total number of vehicle sold here in the ninth month of the year to about 16,500 cars. China alone registered a 35.4 percent increase. From January to August, 93,610 bought an Audi, representing a year-on-year growth of 17.4 percent.

“Changchun was China’s very first production site for premium vehicles. Today’s opening of this assembly hall paves the way for further innovation and sets a new standard in China's automotive industry," An Tiecheng, FAW-VW president added.

Audi promises the new line is in line with all the standards the manufacturer's production system uses. "Height-adjustable materials-handling technology, for example, enables every one of our employees to maintain an optimal stance for working efficiently. That, in turn, ensures the excellence of our products,” Frank Dreves, Audi member of the board for production said.

Audi also announced it will continue its expansion in China with the increase of the dealership network. By 2015, the company plans to have more than 200 stores in the country, compared to the 139 dealerships and 14 Audi terminals today.