Audi 2011 Annual Report Download - page 86

Passion _ 83
at the top and bottom because this is the only way that
a person looking at the car perceives them to be even.
Once the individual parts have been adjusted, the next
step is an inspection of the complete car. In addition to the
quality of its visual appeal, the functions of an Audi model
are now also fi ne-tuned by testing pre-production models
on public roads. The yardstick here is always the customer.
Tests covering millions of miles performed under real
conditions, in various climate zones and in market-specifi c
traffi c situations are conducted to ensure that the quality
of every Audi vehicle always meets expectations, whether
in the stop-and-go traffi c of megacities, while driving
on the German autobahn or in the rugged terrain of the
Chinese mountains.
Because structures, components or combinations of
materials in a vehicle can make unwanted noise on certain
road surfaces or above certain speeds or temperatures,
the acoustics are also studied during road testing. Moving
components in particular, such as seats, seat belts, seals,
the glove compartment or doors, can cause intrusive noise.
“The shakedown drive is one of our most important tools,”
explains Zimmermann. “It enables us to experience our
cars under real conditions and check their function, road
behavior and acoustics, among other aspects.”
A new Audi model can only go into production after all
materials have passed the tests, all components have been
fi ne-tuned to one another and the acoustics and driving
characteristics fulfi ll all specifi cations.
The work is still not completed at that point, however.
“Quality does not come automatically – it must be
achieved anew every day,” emphasizes Zimmermann.
This is why every Audi that rolls off the assembly line
undergoes one fi nal inspection. In addition, individual
vehicles chosen at random undergo special tests related to
visual appeal and function. All this is done to maintain
the standard of quality during series production. The result
is the unmistakable Audi quality, which can also be found
in the new Audi RS 4.
Beginning where others leave off :
What it takes for a car to become an Audi.
Quality is a top priority: Every component is checked and adjusted until it satisfi es the Audi brand’s stringent requirements.
“Quality is passion and the striving for perfection,” says Werner Zimmermann, Head of Audi Quality Assurance.
Quality does not come automatically – it must be achieved anew every day.