Special issue: The new A8 and AUDI’s Neckarsulm factory
The new A8 and AUDI’s Neckarsulm factory
Commenting on his company’s new flagship, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler states, “For us at Audi, the NEW A8 is a masterpiece, the equivalent of the work a craftsman produces to prove himself a master of his trade. As such, the new A8 is the essence of everything Audi is capable of”. Billed as the world’s first luxurysports limousine, the A8 is produced at Audi’s Neckarsulm factory, which with 13,700 or so workers is the largest employer in the Heilbronn-Franken business region.
In its special issue on the new Audi A8 and the Neckarsulm factory, AUTOMOBIL PRODUKTION not only traces the inception of the youngest Audi model series but also portrays the location that houses more than just production operations, also being home to Technical Development with its special focus on lightweight body design and engine and interiors development.
Another special highlight of the Neckarsulm factory consists of quattro GmbH, a fully-owned Audi subsidiary that spearheads Audi’s developments in the field of innovative lightweight construction. A prime example of its work concerns the new R8 Spyder, the high-performance convertible being crafted today for possible full-scale production tomorrow.
THE NEW AUDI A8
Developing for the future
Interview with Michael Dick, Board Member for Development
„The essence of everything that Audi is capable of“
Portrait of the new Audi A8
Lightweight design today – for tomorrow’s applications
Interview with Heinrich Timm, Head of the Audi Aluminium and Lightweight Design Centre at Audi Neckarsulm
AUDI IN CHINA
„Local requirements still not covered“
Interview with Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, President, Audi China
A8 PRODUCTION IN NECKARSULM
Audi A8 – The benchmark for production of the future
Interview with Frank Dreves, Board Member for Production
Good planning saves half the production effort
Interview with Dr. Tarek Mashhour, Head of Planning at the Neckarsulm factory
Fly-on-the wall reports on A8 production
Accounts from the press shop, body shop, paintshop and assembly halls
PROCUREMENT – NECKARULM’S TOP SUPPLIERS & MACHINE TOOL MAKERS
Purchasing in the premium class
Interview with Ulf Berkenhagen, Board Member for Purchasing
Who supplies what?
Overview of suppliers and machine tool makers and their contributions to Neckarsulm
THE NEW AUDI R8 SPYDER
The manufactory: Production avant-garde
Interview with Werner Frowein, Managing Director of quattro GmbH
A light and open feeling
Portrait of the new R8 Spyder
THE AUDI NECKARSULM FACTORY
Anticipating the new A6 and A7: Report on production of the A4/A6/A5 convertibles
Lean & fit: Logistics at the Neckarsulm factory
When good ain’t good enough: Quality assurance
A plethora of new features: The press shop
The perfectionists: Toolmaking at Audi Neckarsulm
Thinking ahead: The Preproduction Centre
Kind to the environment: Engine development in Neckarsulm
