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Audi virtually tests assembly processes for concept car

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Audi is embracing virtual reality (VR) with the Audi e-tron GT concept car. Using VR glasses and controllers, employees from various departments test all assembly processes entirely virtually.

Audi has developed in-house software for the process, which relies on 360-degree scans that provide a three-dimensional indoor map. The technology is being used for the first time at the Neckarsulm site.

Workflows along the assembly line and the associated logistics processes are being tested in “3P workshops”.  3P stands for the Production Preparation Process, and is used for process validation.

[Read more…] about Audi virtually tests assembly processes for concept car

Hitachi electric vehicle inverter adopted for the Audi e-tron

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Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.’s electric vehicle (EV) inverter has been adopted by Audi for its first mass production EV, the e-tron, which went on sale in Europe in March this year.

With tightened environmental regulations around the world, many countries are driving for greater adoption of electric vehicles.

This has led to the demand for more efficient and higher-output electric motors, inverters, and other electric powertrain systems that will contribute to high performance EVs.

[Read more…] about Hitachi electric vehicle inverter adopted for the Audi e-tron

Lilium launches air taxi. Flying cars could take to the skies next

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Flying cars have been around a long time, but only as test vehicles, often engineered and built by tinkerers who may have been seen as somewhat eccentric for even dreaming up such a machine.

But in the past couple of years, these “eccentric tinkerers” have been usurped by corporate bigwigs who maybe see a big market for the technology.

In the most recent development, a German company called Lilium has completed a successful test flight with its all-electric flying car.

[Read more…] about Lilium launches air taxi. Flying cars could take to the skies next

Audi shows autonomous concept car at Auto Shanghai

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At Auto Shanghai 2019, Audi is introducing its mobility concept for the megacities of the future.

The showcar, known as the Audi AI:ME, offers compact dimensions, a spacious, futuristic interior, and the ability to drive autonomously at level 4.

This allows the occupants to do what they like with their time on board. The Audi AI:ME offers a broad range of high-tech features for communication, entertainment, or simply relaxation.

[Read more…] about Audi shows autonomous concept car at Auto Shanghai

Audi promotes EEBUS for intelligent connection of electric cars and buildings

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Audi is involved in the EEBUS initiative to promote networking across manufacturer and industry boundaries. The Audi e-tron is the first electric car whose charging system uses the new communication standard.

At the “Plugfest E-Mobility” event at the Audi plant in Brussels, developers tested cross-industry compatibility before the EEBUS standard for energy communication is introduced this month.

The electric car will play an important role as a power consumer in the digital energy world. As an energy storage device, the electric car has great potential to drive the energy transition forward and absorb peak loads resulting from regenerative generation.

[Read more…] about Audi promotes EEBUS for intelligent connection of electric cars and buildings

Electric limos transport WEF delegates to Davos

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Participants at this year’s World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland were the first to be able to travel by road between Zurich International Airport and Davos, in an environmentally sustainable way.

Fifty Audi e-tron sedans charged in a matter of minutes at a total of 31 fast-charging stations provided by global market leader ABB in Kemptthal, Heidiland, Küblis and Davos.

The charging infrastructure is operated by IONITY, a joint venture between leading automotive manufacturers. The three partners are using the project to underscore the crucial importance of e-mobility for the advancement of sustainable transport.

[Read more…] about Electric limos transport WEF delegates to Davos

Audi starts series production of electric motors in Hungary

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Audi Hungaria’s Győr factory has begun the series production of electric motors. The electric motors are produced using modular assembly.

The current production capacity is for approximately 400 electric axle motors each day and can be gradually increased.

At present, about 100 people are employed in this new area, to be increased to more than 130 by the end of the year. Production is with one‑shift operation, but will soon change to three shifts.

[Read more…] about Audi starts series production of electric motors in Hungary

Flying cars: A ‘near-term’ vision of a world where people get around in electric and autonomous cars and drones

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Airbus and the German car manufacturer Audi have teamed up to develop what they describe as “real, near-term urban mobility solutions”, which features electric and autonomous cars and drones – sometimes operating together as flying cars (main picture and video below).

Beginning this summer, Airbus – through its on-demand helicopter platform Voom – will partner with Audi to deliver an end-to-end transportation service, starting in São Paulo and Mexico City.

This partnership will provide premium ground transportation serviced by Audi vehicles and helicopter transport via Airbus’ Voom service, allowing customers to have a seamless and ultra-convenient travel experience.  [Read more…] about Flying cars: A ‘near-term’ vision of a world where people get around in electric and autonomous cars and drones

Audi uses Stratasys 3D printer to prototype tail light covers

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Audi is planning to use what is claimed to the “world’s only full-color, multi-material 3D printer” to prototype tail light covers.

Additive manufacturing systems supplier Stratasys says Audi Pre-Series Center with its Plastics 3D Printing Center in Ingolstadt, Germany, will leverage “the world’s only full-color, multi-material 3D printer” – the Stratasys J750 – to innovate its design process and accelerate design verification.

For the production of tail light covers, Audi expects to reduce prototyping lead times by up to 50 percent.  [Read more…] about Audi uses Stratasys 3D printer to prototype tail light covers

New highly aerodynamic Audi design suggests cars may not have side mirrors in future

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Side mirrors on cars can sometimes be bothersome, especially if you are driving through a very narrow space in, for example, a car park or something. 

The chances of your side mirror making contact with another vehicle or some part of the building are obviously higher than any other part of your car – except maybe the front and back bumpers.

The idea of dispensing with side mirrors has probably occurred to many people before.  [Read more…] about New highly aerodynamic Audi design suggests cars may not have side mirrors in future