Audi A1 Production Kicks Off in Brussels

After on Monday German carmaker Audi released the pricing for the European market for the smallest car in their offering, the A1, news of production starting comes from Brussels. The carmaker started production of the A1 during a ceremony attended by Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme and Minister-President of the Brussels Capital Region Charles Picque.

“The start of production of the A1 and an investment of three hundred million euros in the Audi Brussels plant is a clear sign in favor of the automotive industry in Europe – we are competitive here and the car is and will remain a powerful driving force for growth and innovation,” Martin Winterkorn said in a statement.

Audi is targeting a production run of 50,000 units by the end of 2010 at the Belgian facility. Next year, 80,000 units will hit the streets, reaching the 100,000 units/year mark in 2012. The plant is fit to build around 500 vehicles a day in two shifts and by 2,200 employees.

“Audi Brussels is assuming major responsibility in the Company with the production of the A1 – that is both a challenge and an opportunity at the same time,” Werner Widuckel. chairman of the Board of Directors of Audi Brussels added.

The A1 will be offered, in due time, in a choice of four engines (two gasoline and two diesel), all direct fuel injected and turbocharged: entry-level 1.2 TFSI (86 hp/160 Nm), 1.4 TFSI (122 hp/200 Nm), 1.6 TDI (105 hp/250 Nm) and another version of the 1.6 TDI (90 hp/230 Nm).

Prices for the European market start at €15,800 for the A1 1.2 TFSI 86 hp 5-speed manual Attraction and top at €21,150 for the A1 1.4 TFSI 122 hp 7-speed Stronic Ambition.