INDUSTRY NEWS
Audi realignment gains momentum
The Audi Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium and luxury segment. The brands Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Ducati produce at 21 locations in 12 countries. Audi and its partners are present in more than 100 markets worldwide.
The first half of 2025 was challenging for Audi, which was primarily impacted by U. S. tariffs and restructuring expenses in connection with the company’ s transformation. Revenue in the first six months of 2025 was approximately 32.6- billion euros, up 5.3 per cent on the figure for the same period last year. Operating profit reached roughly 1.1 billion euros. Net cash flow was 0.9 billion euros.
“ The Audi Group * delivered a total of around 794,000 vehicles in the first half of the year, representing a decline of just under six per cent. In contrast, deliveries of fully electric vehicles from the Audi brand recorded a strong increase of 32 per cent. At the same time, Audi’ s model initiative is moving full speed ahead and is now gradually having an impact on volume,” it explained.
“ The situation continues to be very challenging. In addition to intense competitive pressure, the drastically increased U. S. import tariffs and expenses for Audi restructuring measures have impacted financial performance in the first half of the year. Uncertainty around incentive programmes in the BEV segment has also dampened consumer demand in some markets. At the same time, we are undertaking the biggest transformation in our company history,” said Audi CFO, Jürgen Rittersberger.“ Our financial result clearly highlights the necessity of the transformation that has been started. We are also relying on our Performance Programme to free up the necessary funds and sustainably increase our profitability.”
Audi is responding to the challenging global situation with its ongoing model initiative. By the end of the year, it confirmed that it will have“ the youngest portfolio in the premium segment.” Audi will be introducing ten new models in the plug-in-hybrid segment by the end of 2025.
“ Renewing our portfolio is a key part of the fundamental realignment of our company. But our realignment goes beyond the product range. With the agreement for the future, we are sending a clear signal for more focus, efficiency and profitability and
Audi CEO, Gernot Döllner, next to the new Audi Concept C.
Jürgen Rittersberger, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, Finance, Legal Affairs and IT.
The AUDI E5 Sportback line in Anting, Shanghai.
are strengthening the future viability of the German sites,” confirmed Audi CEO, Gernot Döllner.
To fortify its position in the global competitive arena, Audi also continues to break new ground in partnerships— for example, in China with its new sister brand AUDI and globally with its collaboration in software with American electric-vehicle manufacturer, Rivian. As part of the joint venture with the automaker, Audi is developing next-generation softwaredefined-vehicle( SDV) architectures.
Audi was at the IAA Mobility automotive trade show in September 2025. Alongside the public debut of the new Audi Q3 Sportback e-hybrid 200 kW1, Audi displayed the Audi Concept C, a concept car that exemplifies a new design philosophy and the future direction of Audi.
AUDI E5 Sportback in China
The first series-production model of the newly established AUDI brand, created specifically for the Chinese market— the AUDI E5 Sportback— rolled off the assembly line on 18 August 2025 in Anting( Shanghai. China). Pre-sale for the AUDI E5 Sportback, developed in the strategic partnership between Audi and its Chinese partner SAIC, started on the same day. Customers in China can now pre-order the model, with the first vehicles due for delivery in September.
To manufacture AUDI models, the two partners have established a dedicated production facility on the existing SAIC Volkswagen site in Anting, Shanghai. Initially, around 700 employees will produce the AUDI E5 Sportback there. Two additional AUDI models are scheduled to follow within the next two years.
“ Manufacturing operations in Anting are defined by a high degree of automation, state-of-the-art technologies, including machine learning for quality monitoring, and a fully digitalised production management system. The four-door AUDI E5 Sportback, is a fully electric fastback, combining dynamic proportions, power outputs of up to 579kW and a maximum range of 770km. Four distinct powertrains offer rear-wheel or quattro drive for a dynamic driving experience, accelerating from 0-100km / h in up to 3.4 seconds. Built on the new Advanced Digitized Platform( ADP), the E5 Sportback offers next-generation connected vehicle functionality and full car over-the airupdates,” explained Audi. n
www. audi. com / en /
ISMR October 2025 | ismr. net | 21