Audi 2011 Annual Report Download - page 189

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Capital investments
The Audi Group is planning to invest a total of EUR 13 billion in property, plant and equipment
over the period 2012 through 2016, paving the way for its future growth through what will be
the biggest investment program in the history of the Company.
The priorities for the investment plans include the steady broadening and rejuvenation of the
product range and the accompanying expansion of production structures. In addition, in light of
the anticipated growth the investment plans will extend to development capacity, the dealer
and service network and ongoing productivity and quality improvements. Technological innova-
tions such as continuous improvements to vehicle efficiency and the development of new mobil-
ity concepts also remain priority activities. The purpose of all investment measures is to lastingly
strengthen the Company’s competitive position.
Anticipated development of the workforce
In line with the Company’s plans for growth, the number of employees at the Audi Group will
rise still further in 2012 and 2013.
Opportunities for future development
The Audi Group pursues a large number of measures in order to seize opportunities for future
development and thus safeguard the Company’s sustainable, profitable growth.
One of the most prominent measures in this regard is the model initiative, which is to continue
throughout 2012 and 2013. As well as the addition of the A1 Sportback to the A1 family, the
forthcoming renewal of the high-volume Audi A3 car line will create fresh sales potential in
2012. The continuing roll-out of the new-generation A6 and A6 Avant models, which were
launched in 2011, and of the new Q3 will lend added stimulus to demand.
The Audi brand intends to demonstrate its “Vorsprung durch Technik” not simply with new models,
but also by introducing innovative technologies. Such opportunities include the development of
new mobility concepts and the continuing emphasis on systematically improving efficiency –
achieved, in the case of the Audi brand, by implementing the modular efficiency platform.
The Audi Group has both the necessary infrastructure and qualified specialists to realize the
product and technological innovations it is planning. Its reputation as an attractive employer
will help the Audi Group in its continuing efforts to recruit well-qualified specialists to cement
the Company’s future growth.
Numerous awards confirm a steady rise in the Audi brand’s recognition and popularity ratings
worldwide. The four rings are the embodiment of sportiness, sophistication and progressive-
ness. Alongside its attractive product range, the Audi Group’s brand image provides an opportu-
nity for further qualitative growth in the future.
The Audi Group expects to be able to continue increasing deliveries of the Audi brand worldwide.
For 2012 and 2013, the Audi brand identifies growth opportunities especially in the Asian sales
markets China and India, but also in the United States and Russia. The Company is planning the
further expansion of its international dealer and service network in those markets so that it can
actively capitalize on their future potential.
In addition to factors that are within the Company’s scope of action, external developments may
also create opportunities – for instance, both social and political advances harbor potential for
further corporate growth.