The development of electric vehicles by Audi is facing new challenges, according to recent reports from Germany. The automaker has decided to delay the launch of not only the Q6, but also several other models from the e-tron family. The delay is attributed to ongoing software development issues faced by Cariad, a Volkswagen subsidiary responsible for improving the technological aspects of the new models.
The first of the trio, which was initially scheduled to debut by the end of 2022, has been subject to delays for some time. These setbacks are primarily due to the software development problems faced by Cariad. The same software architecture is used in Porsche’s Macan, which has also faced revisions.
However, another obstacle has come to light in Audi’s plans. Gernot Döllner, the new CEO of Audi and a close associate of group CEO Oliver Blume, expressed dissatisfaction with the projects inherited from his predecessor, Markus Duesmann. Döllner has demanded “swift changes” and imposed a “complete redesign” of the new electric vehicles, resulting in significant delays. Duesmann had previously aimed to launch around ten electric vehicles by the end of 2025, but the lack of progress reportedly led to his dismissal last summer.
As a result of these challenges, the unveiling of the Q6 e-tron has been postponed until March of next year, with commercial availability expected in the summer of 2024. However, further delays are speculated, which could also impact the electric Macan. It is suggested that Audi and Porsche have agreed to prioritize the unveiling of the Audi SUV followed by the Porsche counterpart. The A6 e-tron, originally planned for early 2024, is not expected to be revealed before May. Furthermore, the Q8 e-tron project (set to launch in 2026) is reportedly undergoing a significant overhaul or even potential cancellation due to software and mechanical component issues.
To overcome these challenges, Audi is developing a new plan to utilize the large battery-powered SUV as a platform for the electric successor of the Volkswagen Atlas, currently only available in the United States and China. This strategy aims to optimize resources and enhance collaboration within the Volkswagen Group.
FAQs:
1. What is causing the delays in Audi’s electric vehicle development?
Audi is experiencing delays in the development of electric vehicles due to software development issues faced by Cariad, a Volkswagen subsidiary responsible for improving the technological aspects of the new models.
2. Who is Gernot Döllner?
Gernot Döllner is the new CEO of Audi and a close associate of group CEO Oliver Blume. He has expressed dissatisfaction with the projects inherited from his predecessor and demanded swift changes in Audi’s electric vehicle plans.
3. When will the Q6 e-tron be unveiled?
The Q6 e-tron is now scheduled to be unveiled in March of next year.
4. What impact will the delays have on other models like the A6 and Q8 e-tron?
The A6 e-tron is likely to be revealed after May 2024, while the Q8 e-tron project is undergoing a significant revision or potential cancellation due to software and mechanical component issues.
5. What is Audi’s plan to overcome these challenges?
Audi is considering utilizing the large battery-powered SUV as a platform for the electric successor of the Volkswagen Atlas, in order to optimize resources and enhance collaboration within the Volkswagen Group.