Latest news with #GernotDöllner
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Audi records strong performance boosted by electric vehicle sales
German car giant Audi released its first quarter 2025 results on Monday, reporting revenue of €15.4 billion, which was an increase of 12.4% from the same corresponding period in 2024. This was primarily because of a better mix, along with higher battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales. This was despite hurdles such as intensifying competition, a weaker global economic outlook and geopolitical volatility. Operating profit came to €537 million for the first quarter of the year. Return on sales was 3.5%, mainly impacted by higher costs of goods sold, provisions for the CO2 regulation and a higher BEV share. Net cash flow was -€61m. Audi delivered 46,371 electric cars globally in the first quarter of the year, which was a surge of 30.1%. In France, these electric vehicles experienced a 169% surge in demand, with demand jumping 120% in Switzerland as well. EV sales soared 87% in the Netherlands too, while Norway recorded an increase of 64%. Similarly, electric cars experienced an increase of 59% in Audi's domestic market Germany. Total Audi deliveries came to 383,401 vehicles in the first quarter, which is a 3.4% fall compared to the same quarter in 2024. Gernot Döllner, Audi's chief executive officer (CEO), said in the earnings press release on Volkswagen Group's website: 'The first few months of 2025 saw us take decisive steps towards repositioning our company. This includes the agreement for the future concluded between company management and the works council in March, which aims to increase productivity, speed and flexibility at our German sites. 'The year will continue to be very challenging due to the global economic conditions. But Audi has started to execute its strategy and is delivering on it. Our model initiative is now, step by step, coming onto the global markets. We are particularly encouraged by sales and order intake for our new electric models.' Related Warren Buffett's best and worst investments as Berkshire Hathaway boss Volkswagen Group sees plunge in performance as US tariffs pose risks Jürgen Rittersberger, Audi's chief financial officer (CFO), also said: 'Our key figures for the first quarter clearly show that we must continue to improve our efficiency and competitiveness and are therefore pushing ahead with the transformation of Audi with our full strength.' He added: 'The agreement for the future has set the right course. Together, we will tackle the challenges and the necessary changes and bring Audi back to the forefront.' Coming to the outlook for the whole year, the Audi Group estimates that revenue will come to somewhere between €67.5bn and €72.5bn, while the operating margin is likely to be between 7% and 9%. Net cash flow is expected to be between €3bn and €4bn this year. The company said in the Q1 2025 earnings press release: 'Against the backdrop of the present high volatility, the financial implications of import tariffs, particularly in the United States, cannot be conclusively assessed. 'The financial repercussions of the agreement for the future are currently being evaluated, as certain parts of the agreement are still being worked out. As a result, the forecast does not yet include these two factors.' Audi's deliveries of fully electric models surged 50.4% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same quarter last year, at 25,129 units. In Germany, Audi delivered 8,640 units of fully electric vehicles, which was a jump of 59%. Overall Audi brand deliveries in Europe, excluding Germany, fell 3% to 112,707 units in the first quarter of the year. In Germany, Audi deliveries rose 4.8% to 48,447 units in the first three months of the year. The company also experienced its best first quarter ever in Poland, Croatia and Austria in terms of deliveries across all drive types. North American deliveries (excluding Mexico) dropped 2.1% to 48,599 units, mainly because of several models going through a generational change at the moment. In China, deliveries came up to 144,471 units in the first quarter of the year, which was a drop of 7% compared to the same quarter last year. This was mainly because of higher competition in the domestic Chinese market. As such, Audi is working on quickly growing its electric vehicles portfolio and strengthening its Chinese operations with models tailored to local consumers, as well as tie-ups with local partners.
Scottish Sun
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major car brand pulls the plug on iconic sports car's comeback as it's not ‘viable in the market'
A total of 45,949 units were sold during its original 17-year run NO RETURN Major car brand pulls the plug on iconic sports car's comeback as it's not 'viable in the market' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RUMOURS of the iconic Audi R8's revival appear to have been quashed, with one of the company's key decision-makers claiming its return is not on the cards. Last month, it seemed the beloved supercar – which first debuted in 2006 but was discontinued just a year ago – was set to return as a supremely fast plug-in hybrid. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The legendary Audi R8 is not set for a revival - with one of the company's decision-makers saying its return is not 'viable in the market' Credit: Getty 3 The iconic supercar isn't currently on the VW Group's road map Credit: Handout 3 Rumour had it the next gen R8 would be mechanically twinned with the Lamborghini Temerario Credit: HANDOUT The supercar's reintroduction was reportedly pencilled in for 2027, according to Autocar, which claimed the next-generation R8 had progressed beyond the feasibility stage. However, speaking to the media at the New York Auto Show earlier this month, Kjell Gruner, the new CEO of Volkswagen Group America, reportedly said the R8's return would depend on 'what's viable in the market.' Outlets including Motor1 further reported that he went on to say: "A mid-engine, internal combustion engine vehicle, I don't see that on the road map." Rumours of its return originated from unnamed sources, who claimed it had the backing of Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. Intriguingly, many of the alleged details of the third-generation R8 had been meticulously planned, particularly its powertrain. Reports suggested it would combine Lamborghini's twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 – borrowed from its fellow VW Group brand – with electric motors to deliver hybrid performance. To that end, Autocar added that the return of the R8 would coincide with the launch of the Lamborghini Temerario, and that the top-of-the-range R8 Performance model would have been capable of producing close to 1,000 bhp. This seemed plausible, given that the first two generations of the R8 also shared much with their Lamborghini counterparts – first the Gallardo, and then the Huracan. The rumoured R8's focus on everyday usability also positioned it as a key rival to the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT and Porsche 911. For now, however, the return of the R8 remains just that – rumours – with the only silver lining being that Gruner's comments don't entirely rule out a new Audi flagship. The people's supercar is the bargain of the decade & still looks as gorgeous as ever Unfortunately, though, it seems unlikely that such a vehicle would be powered by a mid-mounted combustion engine. A total of 45,949 Audi R8s sold in its original 17-year run. It comes as Audi revealed last month it is set to axe the incredibly popular A1 and Q2 models next year - with an EV lined up as their replacement. Both cars, which are big sellers for the German brand - especially the A1 hatchback - are also the two cheapest among their range.
The Irish Sun
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major car brand pulls the plug on iconic sports car's comeback as it's not ‘viable in the market'
RUMOURS of the iconic Audi R8's revival appear to have been quashed, with one of the company's key decision-makers claiming its return is not on the cards. Last month, it seemed the beloved supercar – which first debuted in 2006 but was discontinued just a year ago – Advertisement 3 The legendary Audi R8 is not set for a revival - with one of the company's decision-makers saying its return is not 'viable in the market' Credit: Getty 3 The iconic supercar isn't currently on the VW Group's road map Credit: Handout 3 Rumour had it the next gen R8 would be mechanically twinned with the Lamborghini Temerario Credit: HANDOUT The supercar's reintroduction was reportedly pencilled in for 2027, according to Autocar, which claimed the next-generation R8 had progressed beyond the feasibility stage. However, speaking to the media at the New York Auto Show earlier this month, Kjell Gruner, the new CEO of Volkswagen Group America, reportedly said the R8's return would depend on 'what's viable in the market.' Outlets including Motor1 further reported that he went on to say: "A mid-engine, internal combustion engine vehicle, I don't see that on the road map." Rumours of its return originated from unnamed sources, who claimed it had the backing of Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. Advertisement Read more Motors News Intriguingly, many of the alleged details of the third-generation R8 had been meticulously planned, particularly its powertrain. Reports suggested it would combine Lamborghini's twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 – borrowed from its fellow VW Group brand – with electric motors to deliver hybrid performance. To that end, Autocar added that the return of the R8 would coincide with the launch of the Lamborghini Temerario, and that the top-of-the-range R8 Performance model would have been capable of producing close to 1,000 bhp. This seemed plausible, given that the first two generations of the R8 also shared much with their Lamborghini counterparts – first the Gallardo, and then the Huracan. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive The rumoured R8's focus on everyday usability also positioned it as a key rival to the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT and Porsche 911. For now, however, the return of the R8 remains just that – rumours – with the only silver lining being that Gruner's comments don't entirely rule out a new Audi flagship. The people's supercar is the bargain of the decade & still looks as gorgeous as ever Unfortunately, though, it seems unlikely that such a vehicle would be powered by a mid-mounted combustion engine. A total of 45,949 Audi R8s sold in its original 17-year run. Advertisement It comes as Both cars, which are big sellers for the German brand - especially the A1 hatchback - are also the two cheapest among their range.
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Major car brand pulls the plug on iconic sports car's comeback as it's not ‘viable in the market'
RUMOURS of the iconic Audi R8's revival appear to have been quashed, with one of the company's key decision-makers claiming its return is not on the cards. Last month, it seemed the beloved supercar – which first debuted in 2006 but was discontinued just a year ago – was set to return as a supremely fast plug-in hybrid. 3 3 3 The supercar's reintroduction was reportedly pencilled in for 2027, according to Autocar, which claimed the next-generation R8 had progressed beyond the feasibility stage. However, speaking to the media at the New York Auto Show earlier this month, Kjell Gruner, the new CEO of Volkswagen Group America, reportedly said the R8's return would depend on 'what's viable in the market.' Outlets including Motor1 further reported that he went on to say: "A mid-engine, internal combustion engine vehicle, I don't see that on the road map." Rumours of its return originated from unnamed sources, who claimed it had the backing of Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. Intriguingly, many of the alleged details of the third-generation R8 had been meticulously planned, particularly its powertrain. Reports suggested it would combine Lamborghini 's twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 – borrowed from its fellow VW Group brand – with electric motors to deliver hybrid performance. To that end, Autocar added that the return of the R8 would coincide with the launch of the Lamborghini Temerario, and that the top-of-the-range R8 Performance model would have been capable of producing close to 1,000 bhp. This seemed plausible, given that the first two generations of the R8 also shared much with their Lamborghini counterparts – first the Gallardo, and then the Huracan. The rumoured R8's focus on everyday usability also positioned it as a key rival to the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT and Porsche 911. For now, however, the return of the R8 remains just that – rumours – with the only silver lining being that Gruner's comments don't entirely rule out a new Audi flagship. Unfortunately, though, it seems unlikely that such a vehicle would be powered by a mid-mounted combustion engine. A total of 45,949 Audi R8s sold in its original 17-year run. It comes as Audi revealed last month it is set to axe the incredibly popular A1 and Q2 models next year - with an EV lined up as their replacement. Both cars, which are big sellers for the German brand - especially the A1 hatchback - are also the two cheapest among their range.
Wall Street Journal
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Wall Street Journal
Audi Nears Decision on First U.S. Plant
SHANGHAI—Audi's chief executive said the carmaker was moving 'full throttle' toward a final decision on building its first U.S. factory, which he said would likely be located near one of parent Volkswagen's VOW3 2.25%increase; green up pointing triangle facilities. Gernot Döllner also said Audi was studying whether to use an existing Volkswagen factory in Chattanooga, Tenn., to build Audis as a short-term stopgap if President Trump sticks to his 25% tariff on imported autos.
