Audi to invest $15B in development of electric cars
Audi will invest about €11.6 billion (US$15.3 billion) between 2011 and 2015. in new products and technologies, as well as in upgrading its sites in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm, Germany.
About 80% of all investment—more than €9.5 billion (US$12.5 billion)—will go to developing new products and to technologies of the future such as electric and hybrid drive systems. One example is the Audi R8 e-tron, pictured, the first electric sports car, which Audi will begin selling in late 2012.
Thomas Sigi, Member of the AUDI AG Board of Management for Human Resources stated: “Innovation requires people. For this reason, we want to hire around 1,200 experts in 2011 who will primarily bolster our electromobility and lightweight construction fields of competence, as well as the implementation of our growth strategy.”
German’s always knew how to invest, and Audi is not an exception. Right step for people who brough this amazing looking car to streets. I bet Japan and Toyota will be the next to push electric car development… they have to keep up with Germans.