Audi A6 hybrid to make production

Audi has announced that it will go the electric route (partially at least) for its luxury sedan, the A6. But, to begin with, the new A6 hybrid or e-tron will only be sold in the Chinese market. Audi will sell this car in China with the help of its joint-venture partner FAW. The Audi A6 e-tron will be based on the long-wheelbase version of the Audi A6, which is already produced in China, and will be specially developed for the most important market of the German premium manufacturer, Audi said in a release.

"We are shaping the future of electric mobility in China," Prof. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, was quoted as saying. The efficient full-size sedan with a 50km range when operating solely under battery power is to be produced within the joint venture by FAW-Volkswagen in Changchun in northern China, he added.

Audi’s intent to take the hybrid route was made clear by technology boss Ulrich Hackenberg as soon as he took over his new role at Audi. He had said that in the near future, every Audi will sport a hybrid drivetrain of some sort. And this did not exclude Audi’s sports car the R8 (or its derivate) either. In fact, Audi has been pushing the development of the R8 E-tron trying to hit the 450km range, just so the thinking of car buyers about electric cars will change positively. And, this will be made possible by better battery technology.

The Audi A6 e-tron will also come with the latest battery technology. But, as mentioned earlier, Audi isn’t going to stop at the A6 or the R8. According to Audi, the group is pushing ahead with its activities in the area of electric mobility and is taking a holistic approach. All systems and components are coordinated to work together optimally which will allow Audi to further reduce its cars' CO2 emissions and creates a basis for CO2-neutral mobility, says Audi. It adds, that it was the first manufacturer to equip all of its models produced locally in China with efficient start-stop technology and kinetic energy recovery systems, which clearly shows its intent towards cleaner motoring.