Audi has confirmed that it will sink a substantial £19 billion into its ongoing development between 2015 and 2019.
The record sum represents a £1.6 billion increase on the German manufacturer's previous plans. It is described as being integral to a growth strategy that aims to see Audi increase its line-up from an existing 50 models to over 60 by the end of the decade.
Audi has confirmed some £13 billion will be spent directly on new models and technology – over half of this at Audi’s existing Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm sites in Germany.
As part of Audi’s plans, production of the Audi A1 will move from Brussels, Belgium to Ingolstadt, Germany when the second generation model arrives in 2016.
Some £780 million is also earmarked for Audi’s new manufacturing sites in Mexico and Brazil.
The company’s head of research, Ulrich Hackenberg, says the main focus of the investment will be on new models in the C and D segments, as well as what he describes as Audi's Q family of SUVs.
Among the technology being targeted by Audi is digitalisation and alternative drive systems.
Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:
