Audi has been following a systematic electric roadmap and is excited about the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron arriving in 2023, says Damien O’Sullivan, Director, Audi Ireland.
WHAT TRENDS HAVE YOU NOTED ABOUT CAR BUYER PREFERENCES?
We continue to see an increased interest in our electric and hybrid ranges as more customers become conscious of how they travel and the impact this has on the environment. The impact inflation has had on fuel is another factor that has led customers to consider switching to electric or hybrid vehicles. 2023 promises to be another huge year for electric vehicles and we are excited to be to the fore in this transition.
HOW IS YOUR SUPPLY LINE OF NEW VEHICLES?
We have seen a strong order trend for our cars over the past months as buyers continue to choose Audi for 231. Certainly, the industry continues to deal with a lot of component and supply chain challenges from pandemic and socio-economic factors, and we’re not quite clear of those impacts just yet. Despite those supply challenges, we continue to offer incredible choice for customers, and we believe we have a model range to suit all Irish drivers. As we look to 2023, we are committed to meeting our customers’ expectations more than ever.
WHAT WAS AUDI’S MOST POPULAR MODEL IN 2022?
Our bestselling car in 2022 has been the Audi Q3, a car that delivers in a variety of different ways and is ideal for a multitude of lifestyles. It offers a spacious interior, enough SUV road presence to inspire confidence, and a compact design to handle city driving. The addition of the hybrid electric Q3 TFSIe has also been a factor.
HOW IS AUDI POSITIONED IN THE HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE SEGMENTS?
Audi is very well positioned in this space and is continuing to offer more options for Irish drivers. Since the introduction of the Audi e-tron and with sales of over 150,000 units, Audi has been following a systematic electric roadmap. Our electric portfolio now comprises eight models and by 2026 we will have more than 20.
The e-tron GT is already an icon. Our chief designer hails it as his greatest ever work. It is a highly efficient performance car which perfectly balances its twin roles as a sleek executive sedan and an exhilarating performance coupe.
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The total cost of ownership is the real winner with this model. The combination of far-lower running costs and reduced service requirements with high performance output and a stunning appearance make it a really compelling switch from traditional executive models.
We are transforming into a provider of sustainable, electric premium mobility. We are working to continuously expand the fleet of electric vehicles available and will only be launching all-electric models from 2026. The e-roadmap also stipulates the gradual phasing out of the production of vehicles with combustion engines by 2033.
WHICH EXECUTIVE MODEL DO YOU RECOMMEND?
The A6 is a real favourite in the executive range and for very good reason too. It continuously offers a level of precision engineering and efficiency that befits each executive model range, with a degree of efficiency demanded by business users. What has really enhanced this option is the Audi A6 Saloon 55 TFSI e quattro, which offers an efficient plug-in hybrid drive, a trend-setting operating concept, a comfortable interior, and an athletic design.
WHAT NEW MODELS ARE ON THE WAY FROM AUDI IN 2023?
We are very excited about the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron which will arrive in Spring 2023. The new, top-of-the-line electric SUV and crossover will impress with their optimised drive concept, improved aerodynamics and a broad range of innovative features. It certainly won’t disappoint!
WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON CAR BUYER SENTIMENT HEADING INTO 2023?
The industry is in a very similar place year-on-year. However, based on feedback from our local dealers and judging by our orders for 2023, we see this picking up as we move into the new year. From an Audi point of view, we are well positioned to meet demand, and with more electric choice for consumers we are really looking forward to 2023.
