Ingolstadt production plantoverview

Development and production activities are characterised by a high degree of efficiency and ultramodern technologies. Numerous discovery zones grant customers and visitors a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes.

The automotive industry acquired the new location of Ingolstadt as far back as 1949. On the site of the former Ingolstadt fortress, the newly established Auto Union GmbH initially built motorcycles, rapid delivery vans and parts. The company merged with NSU in 1969 to form Audi NSU AUTO UNION AG. The company was renamed AUDI AG in 1985 and the headquarters of the group were moved from Neckarsulm to Ingolstadt. With 31,000 employees, Audi is today the region’s biggest employer.

The plant

Production
Vehicle quality assurance at AUDI AG begins with the company’s own tooling shop. This division, which has won multiple awards, also supplies car manufacturers outside the group. In addition to the production line, which has its own press shop, the Ingolstadt plant includes a body shop, a paint shop and an assembly line. Audi's production approach is innovative. The first step is to plan every new production line on the computer according to the digital factory principle; high efficiency and flexibility are the priority here. The production of doors in the body shop at Ingolstadt is a prime example of this principle at work; these parts for the Audi A4 saloon, Audi A4 Avant and Audi Q5 are all built using the same production facilities.

Technical Development
The tasks performed by AUDI AG’s Technical Development at Ingolstadt include the development of engines (power units and transmissions) and design work, but also development of vehicle concepts, electrical/electronic systems, bodies and chassis, all the way to the development of the total vehicle. Technical Development also includes crash tests for vehicle safety, the wind tunnel, the EMC measuring hall where vehicle electronics are tested for electromagnetic compatibility, and the proving ground at Neustadt an der Donau. That is where Audi engineers examine new developments in a wide variety of driving situations. The new Pre-Production Centre, opened in 2008, aims to maximise economy in vehicle manufacturing.

Logistics Centre
Car manufacturers' logistics processes are highly complex. To simplify matters, the GVZ Logistics Centre therefore consolidates the many different flows of materials into industry parks. Audi has been locating key suppliers in the immediate vicinity of the factory since 1995. Subassemblies thus reach the final assembly line at just the right moment (just in sequence). The production process becomes more economical and the burden on the environment is reduced.

Sustainable environmental protection
Using energy efficiently is a key way of preserving resources. Audi is devoting considerable attention to this aspect, as an industrial-scale facility at Ingolstadt demonstrates. The ultra-efficient combined heat, power and refrigerating plant is a pioneering achievement of the brand with the four rings. This plant is capable of producing power, heat and refrigeration all at the same time. Audi likewise adopts an holistic approach in the important area of efficient use of resources. Its aims include further cutting CO2 emissions and using the important resource of water sparingly. Audi avoids as much as 19,000 tonnes of CO2 a year for example by being connected to the refuse incineration plant in the Ingolstadt suburb of Mailing. In order to save water, the company is increasingly making use of rainwater at its Ingolstadt plant. Audi also applies an environmental management system that has received accreditation from several quarters (in compliance with EU Eco-Audit and Management Scheme and DIN ISO 14001). In participating in the Environmental Pact for Bavaria, Audi also promotes environmentally acceptable economic growth.

Audi Forum Ingolstadt

With its museum and restaurants, concerts, cinema and the "Market and Customer" service centre, the Audi Forum is an interesting and varied amenity for visitors. The Audi museum mobile brings the philosophy and history of the premium manufacturer to life. The strikingly designed customer centre provides a fitting context for personalised customer advice as well as a venue for those wishing to collect their new vehicle directly from the manufacturer in person. Numerous discovery tours give visitors an exciting glimpse behind the scenes.