Audi Reverses Decision to End Development of Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles
After previously announcing plans to end the development and sale of internal combustion engined vehicles by 2033, Audi has now reversed its decision and has no fixed date for such a plan.
The German firm had initially planned to cease development of internal combustion engines next year, with previous hints of launching no new ICE cars by 2026. However, CEO Gernot Döllner has emphasized the importance of flexibility and has decided to extend the production of internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid vehicles beyond the previously communicated end dates.
Döllner stated, “Audi is launching a completely new line-up of internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid vehicles from 2024-2026, providing us with flexibility for at least another seven to ten years to adapt to market demands.”
Additionally, Audi will lead the development of all Volkswagen Group hardware and software architectures for larger models in the future, with the first Audis on the new SSP platform expected to hit the market in late 2027/2028. This collaboration with Rivian, in which the VW Group has invested, marks a significant shift towards ‘software-defined vehicles’ for the Group.
Despite this, Audi is streamlining its model range and has no plans to replace the A1 and Q2 models. The Q3 and A3 models will now serve as the entry point of the range, with the A8 positioned as the range-topper on the “low car” side, and the Q7, Q8, and potentially a Q9 model representing the end of the SUV and crossover lineup.
While an all-electric A3-sized model is in development for 2026, Audi has no intentions of creating its own entry-level electric car akin to the Volkswagen ID 2, Skoda Epiq, or Cupra Raval models.
Furthermore, Audi’s new Formula 1 team is set to inspire future road car developments, with potential learnings from efficiency and hybrid powertrain management that could trickle down to Audi’s road cars. When asked about the possibility of a return for iconic models like the R8 and TT, Döllner hinted at the brand’s openness to exploring various possibilities, stating, “we are car guys, let yourself be surprised.”
