Tag: Audi

Jul 21

Alfa Romeo and Ram Shine with Top-Ranked Consumer Websites, While VW and Audi Lag Behind

Alfa Romeo and Ram Set the Standard for User-Friendly Automotive Websites

In J.D. Power’s latest Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study, Alfa Romeo and Ram have emerged as leaders in delivering exceptional consumer-facing websites. Alfa Romeo leads the premium segment with an impressive score of 755, surpassing luxury competitors like BMW and Porsche, while Ram tops the mass market with a solid 735. Both brands demonstrate how well-designed websites can significantly enhance user experience, setting a high bar in their respective categories.

The Industry’s Website Performance: A Mixed Picture

Despite these standout performers, the study highlights a mixed performance across the automotive industry. While the average satisfaction scores for both premium and mass market websites have improved slightly, brands like Volkswagen and Audi struggle, with Volkswagen’s site scoring the lowest industry-wide at 683. The study underscores the importance of a well-executed website in engaging potential customers, as it serves as the crucial first impression for many shoppers.

Jul 21

Audi Partners with SAIC Motor to Accelerate EV Innovation in China

A New Chapter in EV Collaboration

Audi and SAIC Motor, China’s state-owned automotive giant, have announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at enhancing their electric vehicle (EV) offerings in the Chinese market. Officially confirmed on July 20, this collaboration is set to bolster both companies’ electrification strategies amid China’s rapidly expanding EV sector. While specifics of their joint projects remain under wraps, reports suggest that Audi is eyeing SAIC’s advanced modular EV platform, utilized by SAIC’s premium brand IM Motors for its L7 sedan and LS7 SUV.

Strategic Moves Amidst Industry Shifts

This partnership represents a significant shift for Audi, which has faced setbacks in its EV strategy due to delays and developmental issues with the Volkswagen Group’s software. With the Q6 e-tron and other flagship projects delayed, Audi’s move to collaborate with SAIC highlights a strategic pivot towards leveraging external innovations. This deal underscores China’s growing role as a hub of automotive innovation, marking a departure from merely adopting foreign technology to spearheading new advancements in the industry.

Jul 20

All four Audi electric SUVs achieve top IIHS safety ratings

Every Audi electric SUV has received the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The safety award applies to all current-model-year Audi electric SUVs. That means the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron, as well as the 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron and Q8 E-Tron Sportback. The Q8 E-Tron models are updates of the E-Tron SUV and Sportback, which also got Top Safety Pick+ ratings as 2023 models.

To earn a Top Safety Pick+ award, vehicles must achieve the highest “good” rating in the IIHS’ updated side-impact crash test, and have front-crash prevent systems that earn “advanced” or superior” ratings in both daytime and nighttime pedestrian tests. That’s in addition to high marks in all other crash tests, as well as above-average headlight ratings, needed to earn lower-level IIHS safety awards.

Launching as 2024 models, the Q8 family carries over all the good things —including the safety rating—from the previous E-Tron SUV and Sportback family, but with more driving range (Audi estimates 300 miles, although EPA ratings haven’t been posted) and somewhat sharpened handling. The E-Tron SUV was the first EV to earn the Top Safety Pick+ award, in 2019.

The Q4 family goes for practicality more than punch, and cost less than other premium EVs of similar size. The Q4 models are closely related to the Volkswagen ID.4, which has the same top safety rating, sharing its MEB platform.

There’s one other Audi EV, which likely won’t be rated by the IIHS. That’s the E-Tron GT, the only non-SUV in Audi’s current EV lineup, which is likely too low-volume to warrant the full battery of tests from the non-profit safety organization.

Jul 20

Audi’s Electric SUV Lineup Achieves Premier IIHS Safety Ratings

Audi Electric SUVs Excel in Safety Tests

Audi’s entire lineup of electric SUVs has been awarded the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This accolade encompasses the latest models including the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron, as well as the newly updated 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron and Q8 E-Tron Sportback, previously known as the E-Tron SUV and Sportback. This recognition highlights Audi’s commitment to safety across its electric vehicle range.

Rigorous Safety Standards Met by Audi

Achieving the Top Safety Pick+ award requires vehicles to pass stringent criteria, including the highest “Good” rating in the newly updated IIHS side-impact crash test. Additionally, these vehicles must possess effective automatic emergency braking systems that perform well in both daylight and nighttime pedestrian tests. Audi’s electric SUVs have not only met but excelled in these tests, continuing a legacy of safety that began when the E-Tron SUV became the first EV to earn the Top Safety Pick+ award in 2019.

Beyond Safety: Performance and Practicality

The 2024 Audi Q8 models build on their predecessors’ foundations by offering increased driving range—estimated at 300 miles—though official EPA ratings are pending. Meanwhile, the Q4 models, sharing the VW MEB platform with the similarly highly-rated Volkswagen ID.4, focus on practicality and affordability without sacrificing performance. The E-Tron GT, Audi’s sole non-SUV electric model, remains unrated by the IIHS due to its lower production volume, underscoring the brand’s varied approach to meeting consumer needs and preferences in the electric vehicle market.