Quattro GmbH

Infobox Company
name = quattro GmbH

type = Private company,
wholly owned subsidiary of Audi AG
foundation = flagicon|GER Neckarsulm, Germany (1983)
founder =
location = Neckarsulm, Germany
locations = one site at Neckarsulm
area_served = Worldwide
key_people = Stephan Reil Technical Director
industry = Automotive industry
products = High-performance luxury cars,
wheels and suspension components,
specialist body styling parts,
automotive consumer goods
services = Design, testing, production,
research and development
market c

revenue =
operating_income = profit €220million (2004)
net_income =
assets =
equity =
owner = Audi AG
num_employees = 670 (inc 250 R8 employees) (2006)
parent = Volkswagen Group
(Volkswagen AG)
slogan = "Vorsprung durch Technik"
"Advancement through Technology"
subsid =
homepage = [http://www.audi.com/audi/com/en2/about_audi_ag/investor_relations/for_investors/participations/quattro_gmbh.html quattro GmbH] at Audi.com
footnotes =
intl = yes

quattro GmbH is a wholly owned private subsidiary of the German automobile manufacturer - Audi AG, [ [http://www.audi.com/audi/com/en2/about_audi_ag/investor_relations/for_investors/participations/quattro_gmbh.html quattro GmbH - Investor Relations] Audi.com] part of the larger German automotive manufacturing conglomerate and holding company, Volkswagen Group.

It is located at Neckarsulm, near Stuttgart, in the region of Baden-Württemberg. The factory is based within the headquarters of the now defunct German auto maker, and Wankel pistonless rotary engine pioneer, NSU Motorenwerke AG (NSU).

Although "quattro GmbH" as a company may be relatively unknown, its core products are likely to be very well known, notably the Audi RS4, the Audi RS6 and the Audi R8.

Business areas

quattro GmbH specialises in four 'key' areas, including the design, testing and production of specialist and high performance Audi cars, such as the R8, RS4 and RS6. They also design and produce the specialist car body parts (such as front bumpers and splitters, side skirts, rear bumpers and diffusers, and spoilers) which are mainly used on the Audi S line trim specification on most of the model range.

RS cars

The Audi RS cars ethos is one of ultimate sports, dynamic ability, and high performance. They make no compromises, particularly in terms of technology, and visual appeal, with levels of performance comparable with established high performance sports cars, such as the Porsche 911. However, being based on conventional saloon/sedan, or estate/wagon cars, RS owners need make no sacrifice for everyday comfort, luxury and practicality, having all the ameneties and functions of reqular everday mainstream models. quattro GmbH create, design, develop and produce all RS models in conjunction with parent, Audi AG.

The "RS" initials stand for "RennSport" de icon, and is Audi's ultimate high performance trim level, positioned above the "S" ("Sport") specification level of Audi's regular model line-up. RS cars are usually produced in limited numbers, over a limited time scale.

line

Audi produce a mainstream trim specification option known as S line. This is developed and created by quattro GmbH for Audi AG for virtually all models in the Audi range. The "S line" is based on a "sporty" emphasis, and primarily focusses on sports suspension, along with interior sporty enhancements to trim and seating, with exterior body styling components completing the look.

Audi exclusive

Audi offers potential customers of new cars the possibility of customising their new car beyond the scope of "conventional" options. This facility is called Audi exclusive, and extends to virtually all areas of the car. The customer may choose unique exterior paint, in any colour, and be complemented by alloy wheels originally developed by quattro GmbH. For the interior, the upholstery can be finished in various grades and grains of leathers (including nappa), again in a choice of colours. These coloured leathers may also be applied to interior door coverings, and rear parcel shelves. Headling fabrics can be customised in colour, along with seat belt webbing. The interior can be finished with a wide selection of fine wooden trims, sourced from around the world. Finally, for the traveling business person, a range of in-car office equipment is available.

Audi lifestyle

In the current markets, many car owners expect to find their favourite brand logo on objects other than the "car". quattro GmbH have developed a range of Audi lifestyle products. These include mountain bikes, personal leather goods, such as briefcases, handbags, purses and wallets. The highlight is the "Square chronograph" watch. These products allow Audi owners, and non-owners alike, the ability to express an affinity for the "four rings" emblem, in fields other than cars.

Car production

quattro GmbH has historically only been able to produce one model at a time. The first model produced by Audi's quattro GmbH was the Audi RS2 Avant, a joint venture between Porsche and quattro GmbH, from 1994-1996. The second was the C4 S6 Plus, produced from April 1996 to July 1997. Third was 2000-2001 B5 RS4; the fourth was the 2004 C5 RS6; the fifth was the 2005 B7 A4 DTM edition saloon. Sixth out of quattro GmbH was the 2006 B7 RS4, and (as of 2008) the seventh and latest offering is the 2008 C6 RS6.

The Audi R8 is built in a new and separate quattro GmbH plant.

Audi R8

The Audi R8 two-seat sports car was exclusively developed, and is produced by quattro GmbH. An old factory on the Audi Neckarsulm site was redeveloped, and €28millon was invested in the new R8 prodution line. Around 250 employees work on this car.

Audi Q7 V12 TDI

quattro GmbH is currently developing, and will subsequently produce the most powerful diesel powered sport utility vehicle (SUV) in its class. The Audi Q7 quattro will be fitted with a V12 TDI engine. A world first, this all new diesel engine displaces 6 Litres, generating Auto PS|500|0, and a massive Auto Nm|1000|0 of torque. This is enough to complete the 0-auto km/h|100|1 dash in 5.5 seconds, making it perform like modern sports cars. [The new Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro: [http://www.audi.com/audi/com/en2/about_audi_ag/news/modelle_services/monthly_summary/The_New_Audi_Q7_V12_TDI_quattro__The_Ultimate_High-Performance_SUV.html quattro GmbH develops "The Ultimate High-Performance SUV] ]

Comparisons to other brands

quattro GmbH can be regarded to Audi in a similar manner like the other German prestige manufacturers "performance divisions" - such as Mercedes-AMG GmbH to Mercedes-Benz, or BMW M GmbH to BMW.

A similar operation called "Volkswagen Individual" is provided by Volkswagen Group related company Volkswagen Passenger Cars at Wolfsburg. Volkswagen Individual produce the Volkswagen ".:R" series of cars, including the Golf R32 and the latest Passat R36, and are able to provide customer requested customisations, similar to "Audi Exclusive".

ee also

* Volkswagen Group
* Audi
** quattro (four wheel drive system)
* Abt Sportsline, an independent tuning and motor racing company, specialising in VAG products
* list of German cars

References

External links

* [http://www.audi.com Audi corporate website]
* [http://microsites.audi.co.uk/microsites/SLine Audi UK S line microsite]
* [http://www.audi.co.uk/audi/uk/en2/new_cars/S_RS_models.html Audi UK S and RS model range]