CEO says Audi plans three electric car models

Audi aims to have three electric car models by 2020 and for electric vehicles to account for 25 percent to 30 percent of its sales by 2025, Chief Executive Rupert Stadler told a German newspaper.

Audi’s move, reported by Reuters recently, is part of a strategic overhaul following the emissions scandal at parent Volkswagen.

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

Stadler told daily Heilbronner Stimme in an interview published on Saturday that Audi’s offering of electric cars will also include small vehicles in the A- segment.

The company also plans to set up a subsidiary, to be called SDS Co, to develop an autonomous car.

“This is about a robot car that may not even need a steering wheel or pedals, so it’s ideal for urban traffic,” he said, adding Audi is still looking for joint venture partners to help with the technology.

Audi will seek to reduce complexity in other areas, Stadler said.

“We have discussed what would happen if we dropped the two- door version of the A3. I think we would barely lose any customers. We’d rather invest the money that is freed up in new models and other derivatives,” Stadler said.

A company source told Reuters that management will also reduce orders assigned to external development service providers and shift funds from that area toward electric cars, autonomous driving and digitalization. Weekly magazine Automobilwoche earlier reported that Audi is cutting budgets for external projects.