Photo: Audi
Audi today announced that full-scale production of the new A3 plug-in hybrid model called A3 e-tron is underway at their factory in Ingolstadt.
Besides the unique powertrain, the e-tron has other features that differentiate it from the rest of the A3 family, like a different front bumper with integrated charging point and a new speedometer. However, assembly of the plug-in model takes place on the same line as other, more mainstream A3s.
“We started series production of the Audi A3 Sportback etron in the summer,” said Dr. Hubert Waltl, Board of Management Member for Production at Audi AG. “Most of the assembly work is integrated into the A3 line; no separate manufacturing is necessary. That demonstrates the flexibility and efficiency of our production planners and employees.
Peter Kossler, head of the Ingolstadt plant, stated: “Working with highvoltage systems in series production was a new challenge for us, but we mastered it well. At all stages of assembly, we achieve maximum levels of safety for our employees and quality for our customers.”
“We first of all ramped up production of the A3 Sportback etron to about 30 cars a day in September,” explained Board of Management member for Production Waltl. “Our peak is approximately 50 units each day now. In any case, we are keeping additional capacity available.”
50 cars a day adds up to about 13,000 units a year, which is a high number and shows electric powertrains are starting to find favor. But the A3 e-tron could be considered to be on the cutting edge of technology in this segment and comes with very few drawbacks.
For instance, unlike the Toyota Prius and Lexus CT 200h, Audi's hybridized hatch is very fast. With a combined output of 204 hp, it's able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. The battery has enough range for a daily commute of up to 50 km (31 miles), while the electric motor is powerful enough to move the car on its own up to a speed of 130 km/h (82 mph).
Editor's note: The Opel Ampera was voted car of the year in 2012. Wonder if they made 13,000 of those yet.
“We started series production of the Audi A3 Sportback etron in the summer,” said Dr. Hubert Waltl, Board of Management Member for Production at Audi AG. “Most of the assembly work is integrated into the A3 line; no separate manufacturing is necessary. That demonstrates the flexibility and efficiency of our production planners and employees.
Peter Kossler, head of the Ingolstadt plant, stated: “Working with highvoltage systems in series production was a new challenge for us, but we mastered it well. At all stages of assembly, we achieve maximum levels of safety for our employees and quality for our customers.”
Expecting high demand?
The A3 e-tron is very expensive considering it's about the size of a normal family hatchback and shares its underpinnings with the VW Golf. Before adding better wheels or metallic paint, a new model retails for €37,900 in Germany.“We first of all ramped up production of the A3 Sportback etron to about 30 cars a day in September,” explained Board of Management member for Production Waltl. “Our peak is approximately 50 units each day now. In any case, we are keeping additional capacity available.”
50 cars a day adds up to about 13,000 units a year, which is a high number and shows electric powertrains are starting to find favor. But the A3 e-tron could be considered to be on the cutting edge of technology in this segment and comes with very few drawbacks.
For instance, unlike the Toyota Prius and Lexus CT 200h, Audi's hybridized hatch is very fast. With a combined output of 204 hp, it's able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. The battery has enough range for a daily commute of up to 50 km (31 miles), while the electric motor is powerful enough to move the car on its own up to a speed of 130 km/h (82 mph).
Editor's note: The Opel Ampera was voted car of the year in 2012. Wonder if they made 13,000 of those yet.
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