Neckarsulm production plantoverview

Car manufacturing in the region at the confluence of the Neckar and Sulm rivers dates back more than a century. The company behind the emergence of this industry, NSU, started life as a knitting machinery manufacturer by the name of Neckarsulmer Strickmaschinenfabrik. In 1969, Auto Union GmbH merged with Audi NSU AUTO UNION AG. Along with the change of name to AUDI AG in 1985, the stock corporation transferred its registered office to Ingolstadt.

Production

The manufacturing facilities at the site comprise a press shop, steel and aluminium body shops, a paint shop and five assembly lines. AUDI AG invested over EUR 17 million in a new toolmaking shop at Neckarsulm in 2008. One of the keys to the success of both Audi and the plant itself is Audi A6 production: well over five million units of this car have now left the production lines at Neckarsulm. The Audi A4 saloon has also been built at Neckarsulm since autumn 2007. The plant is linked to the Ingolstadt plant by the "production turntable" principle. Local fluctuations in capacity utilisation are also used as a means of safeguarding jobs. Thanks to ergonomically and flexibly designed workplaces, the experience of older workers is a particular asset in assembly of the Audi A4.

Lightweight construction and efficient engines

Neckarsulm is the centre of aluminium technology: the first aluminium-bodied vehicle to feature the Audi Space FrameAudi Space FrameThe Audi Space Frame is a high-strength aluminium frame structure into which all panels are integrated so that they also perform a load-bearing function.Audi Space Frame concept (ASF) – the Audi A8 – went into production here in 1994. The Aluminium and Lightweight Design Centre located here subsequently developed bodies for the Audi A2, Audi TT Coupé, Audi TT Roadster and Audi R8. Other focal areas of Technical Development at Neckarsulm are interior equipment and engines. As well as petrol and diesel engines, sports engines for motor racing are engineered and tested. The success story of the TDITDISynonymous with muscular torque delivery and outstanding efficiency: TDI. Today, TDI engines are sporty, smooth and economical.TDI engine started here in 1975. Audi unveiled the first passenger car with TDI engine in 1989. 31 years on, the Audi R10 TDI became the first racing car with a diesel engine to win the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours.

Sustainable environmental protection

At the Neckarsulm location, too, Audi is continually optimising ecological factors such as levels of waste, soil and water protection, and noise emissions. Metal waste from the press shop is recycled in its entirety. Painting lines operate without discharging any wastewater at all. Heat recovery systems also reduce energy input and emissions. Lightweight construction, efficient engines and other components of the modular efficiency program make sure that the environment is protected throughout a car's useful life, too.

quattro GmbH – individual, exclusive, sporty

RS and R models, S line sports packages, Audi exclusive and Audi design lifestyle articles – quattro GmbH helps to promote the emotional component of the Audi brand through its five distinct business areas. The development and production operations of this Audi subsidiary are based at Neckarsulm, while the sales and marketing departments are in Ingolstadt.

Audi Forum Neckarsulm

To visit the birthplace of the premium models Audi A8, Audi A6, Audi A4, Audi RS 6 and Audi R8 is to discover their sheer fascination. Over 500,000 people have visited Audi Forum Neckarsulm since it opened in May 2005. In the Audi exclusive studio, quattro GmbH exhibits a wide variety of customised vehicles and advises customers personally about the available options. Genuine accessories and lifestyle articles from the Audi design range are available from the local Audi Shop. Other highlights include personal vehicle handovers, tours of the factory and forum, and gastronomic extravaganzas at the Nuvolari restaurant. The light-filled glazed complex provides an exclusive setting for internal and external events and conferences.