Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1998 16:46:47 EST
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From: TomNiksch@AOL.COM
Subject: AUDI Allroad quattro will be produced in Neckarsulm
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from Auto Motor & Sport dpa-press service
http://www.motor-presse-online.de/cgi-bin/dpa/dpa_meldung.idc?nr=19340
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Decision finalised: Audi allroad quattro study goes into series
production in Neckarsulm, Germany
Ingolstadt/Neckarsulm (ots) - The production base has been decided
upon for the series version of the Audi allroad quattro: in February
2000 the plant in Neckarsulm, Germany, will start production of this
new Audi model. Investment at the plant will amount to approximately
105 million DM. Dr. Andreas Schleef, Member of the Board of
Management responsible for Personnel Affairs, said: 'This decision
helps to safeguard jobs in the long term at the Neckarsulm plant. A
major factor in the decision besides commercial considerations was
the know-how the plant has acquired by building the Audi A6, the body
of which will be used for the new Audi model.'
Its transfer to series production will see the new car concept
retaining its progressive character. The allroad quattro will come
with three-stage, height adjustable air suspension and a
reduction-gear transmission for use on difficult terrain. Two V6
power units are earmarked for the driveline: the 2.7 litre V6 biturbo
petrol engine and the 2.5 TDI V6. Superficially, the new model bears
little resemblance to the Audi A6 Avant from which it takes its body,
due to the reinforced bumpers at front and rear, underbody
protection, more dynamic wheel arches, contrasting sill trims and a
new radiator grille design.
The twin-pipe exhaust system with separate tailpipes at the left
and right emphasises the boldly styled rear end of the body. Large
16' wheels (17' as optional extra) add to the visual assertiveness of
this series version of the allroad quattro.
Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, Chairman of the Audi AG Board of
Management, says, 'With this new, versatile concept we can offer our
customers a car that, on the one hand, has the comfort of a luxury
touring saloon and, on the other, the specialist qualities of a
classic off-roader, suitable for difficult terrain and poor weather
conditions.' With this car Audi is launching a model which fits into
the new 'allroader' category.
Three models are currently in production in Neckarsulm: the Audi
A6, Audi A6 Avant and Audi A8. In 1999 production of the new Audi
aluminium compact class car will start, with an annual capacity of
more than 50,000 units. From January to October 1998 a total of
approximately 160,000 Audi cars were built at the Neckarsulm plant,
which at the moment has a workforce of 11,800 people.
Audi is a leading international supplier of top-quality cars,
which it manufactures not only in Germany, but also in Hungary, China
and South Africa. In 1997 Audi delivered 546,000 cars to customers.
Turnover was more than 22 billion DM. 40,000 people in all are
employed by Audi.
ots original text service: Audi AG
Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.de
Press: Corporate and Finance
Axel Engel, Tel. +49 841 89 92593
e-mail: axel.engel@audi.de
Joachim Cordshagen, Tel. +49 841 89 6340
e-mail: joachim.cordshagen@audi.de
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