100,000th Audi A3 Leaves Production Line

[Samurai75007]

An excellent start: the 100,000th Audi A3 – a 2.0 FSI in Silver metallic – left the assembly line at the Ingolstadt plant today, around only six months after its market launch. Following the steepest production ramp-up in the history of the company, this premium compact sports model is on course for a record. Unit sales of the new Audi A3 for the first half year following its appearance on the market are up 16 percent on its predecessor model.

According to Audi Head of Production Dr. Jochem Heizmann, this success is attributable to "the engaging character of the new Audi A3, which stems from its special blend of overt sports appeal, advanced technology and dynamic design. It is now set to extend its lengthy track record of success." A further production landmark will be reached in mid-December: the 1,000,000th A3 to be built since the launching of this car line in 1996.

Its steep ramp-up is attributable to the A3's innovative production technology and the well-qualified, dedicated workforce. AUDI AG has invested several hundred million euros in the Ingolstadt plant, in such facilities as an ultramodern body shop, a completely new press shop and an entirely revamped assembly area for the Audi A3.

The athletic presence of the new Audi A3 is proving very popular. For example, the women's magazine Maxi voted it the "best car for everyday driving". The new Audi A3 is demonstrating its supremacy abroad, too. The auto-revue 2003 Award for the compact class reflects the enthusiasm of its aficionados in Austria. In comparative tests conducted by major car magazines, the new A3 notched up an array of overall victories, including over many a renowned competitor.

The Audi A3 is available with four petrol and two TDI engines, all of them meeting the tough limit values of the EU IV emission standard. The new Audi A3 3.2 quattro has been the top sports model in the range since September 2003. Its 3.2-litre, V6 engine with an output of 250 bhp accelerates it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. This performance has earned it the distinction of a top athlete in the premium compact class.

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