Audi plans three electric car models by 2020, says Rupert Stadler

Audi plans to have 3 electrical vehicle models by 2020 and for electrical automobiles to represent 25 to 30 percent of its sales by 2025, Chief Executive Rupert Stadler told a German newspaper.

Under the plan, which Stadler presented to Audi managers this week, the group will focus more resources on electric cars, digital services and self-governing driving.

Stadler informed Heilbronner Stimme in an interview released on Saturday that Audi’s offering of electrical automobiles would also consist of small automobiles in the A-segment.

The company also prepares to set up a subsidiary, to be called SDS Company, to create an autonomous car.

“This is about a robotic automobile that may not even require a steering wheel or pedals, so it’s ideal for urban traffic,” he stated, including Audi was still searching for joint venture partners who would aid with the innovation.

In return for stepping up its concentration on electrical vehicles, autonomous driving and digital services, Audi will look to decrease intricacy in other locations, Stadler said.

A company source informed Reuters that management would also reduce orders assigned to external development company and shift funds from that location to electrical automobiles, autonomous driving and digitalization.

Weekly magazine Automobilwoche had reported before that Audi was cutting budget plans for external tasks.

In addition, CEO Stadler stated fuel cell cars were a “must”, though he stated he cannot yet state how large demand would be.

Audi’s technical development chief Stefan Knirsch informed Stuttgarter Zeitung in a separate interview released on Saturday that he anticipated Audi would not start serial production of a fuel cell automobile before 2020 because of the absence of charging stations.