German automotive luxury brand Audi has started series production of the all-electric A2 e-tron at its main plant in Ingolstadt, Germany.

Interestingly, the company claims that the development timeline for the A2 e-tron was reduced by 21 months compared to previous vehicle projects through streamlined pre-series evaluation and coordination processes. The EV manufacturing process incorporates structural changes to lower operational complexity.

Audi implemented the string-of-pearls production sequence at Ingolstadt, fixing customer order sequences six days prior to assembly. This system allows component suppliers to deliver pre-sorted parts directly to the assembly line, eliminating regional storage and component sequencing areas.

The body of the A2 e-tron is assembled on shared line infrastructure alongside the Audi A3, utilising more than 1,200 reallocated components and 250 repurposed welding robots. Automated systems include camera-guided bin-picking robots for small sheet-metal parts and fully automated wheel installation stations replacing semi-automated bolting in chassis preassembly.

On the digital infrastructure side, the plant runs the Edge Cloud 4 Production platform, which centralises the control units for vehicle commissioning and operator guidance systems, replacing over 450 industrial PCs in the assembly area.

The facility also uses artificial intelligence assistants, including supply chain and maintenance chatbots, to assist line personnel with fault diagnostics and documentation retrieval.

Gernot Dollner, CEO, Audi AG, said. "The Audi A2 e-tron represents the next step in our renewal. It shows how we consistently think from the market backward, because different regions need different answers. The A2 e-tron was developed for Europe and is manufactured in Ingolstadt. It is the most efficient Audi we have ever built, and it makes electric mobility suitable for everyday use. At the same time, it shows how we are implementing our transformation in concrete terms: developing faster, producing more efficiently, and thereby strengthening industrial value creation and competitiveness in Germany."

Jorg Schlagbauer, Chairman, Audi General Works Council, said, "The start of production of the A2 e-tron in Ingolstadt is a strong signal for our site and its future. We are particularly proud of this as the works council, because together with the workforce we have repeatedly fought with great determination since 2019 for Audi to develop an entry-level electric model and build it in Ingolstadt. The project stands for technological expertise, industrial value creation, and secure prospects for our employees. Above all, however, the successful production launch is the result of the tremendous commitment and skill of our colleagues. Once again, this shows: at Audi, Vorsprung durch Technik is not just announced, it is achieved."

Gerd Walker, Board Member for Production and Logistics, Audi, said, "The A2 e-tron again demonstrates that it is possible to build cars profitably in Germany. Particularly important in this regard are AI assistants developed jointly by our Neckarsulm and Ingolstadt sites, our highly flexible production facilities, and, above all, the expertise of our employees. The model demonstrates the transformation of Audi production: less complex, even more efficient, and with a high degree of digitalisation and automation."

Siegfried Schmidtner, Plant Manager at Audi Ingolstadt, said, "The start of production of the Audi A2 e-tron is the result of extensive teamwork at the Ingolstadt plant. Drawing on their wealth of experience from numerous product launches, the team has laid the groundwork for a successful ramp-up of the model and further optimised our processes. Production of the new model strengthens core capabilities at our headquarters."

The site prepared its workforce for the launch through a multi-stage qualification program combining traditional assembly line instruction with virtual reality training modules.

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Ultium Cells, the joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, will upgrade its battery cell manufacturing plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, United States, to produce lithium manganese rich (LMR) battery cells for General Motors electric vehicles.

The facility is scheduled to begin retooling later this year, with completion expected in 2028. The conversion will enable mass production of prismatic LMR cells, a chemistry which it claims offers up to 33 percent higher energy density than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) at a similar cost profile.

The project will create 500 positions, expanding the plant's existing workforce of 1,200 employees. The upgrade follows the start of LFP cell production for energy storage systems at the facility in June 2026, bringing cumulative investment across both projects to USD 1 billion by 2030.

The modification will allow Ultium Cells to manufacture high-nickel, LFP and LMR chemistries across pouch and prismatic form factors at the Tennessee site, supplying battery cells for General Motors' North American vehicle assembly plants and external stationary storage applications.

Kurt Kelty, Vice-President of Battery and Sustainability, GM, said, “Establishing LMR prismatic cell production at Ultium Cells in Spring Hill is a key step in GM’s strategy to match the right battery technology to customer needs and strengthen our leadership in domestic battery manufacturing and innovation. High-nickel batteries will continue to give customers the highest range in our portfolio, while adding LMR positions us to leapfrog today’s more affordable chemistries and deliver lower costs with better performance. This flexibility allows us to scale efficiently, reach more customers, and support GM’s long-term EV strategy and profitability journey.”

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said, “Ultium Cells’ continued investment in Spring Hill underscores Tennessee’s role as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. I thank Ultium Cells for their commitment to create new, high-quality jobs and to reinforce the strength of Tennessee’s manufacturing economy as we advance toward a future focused on clean, reliable energy.”

Injae Pahk, President, Ultium Cells, said, “This marks Ultium Cells’ second major investment in Spring Hill and reflects the company’s continued growth as a diversified battery cell manufacturer. By evolving production to meet changing market demands, Ultium Cells is reinforcing its long-term position as a key employer and technology leader in the U.S. battery cell sector.”

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Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has commenced production of the updated Skoda Slavia sedan at its manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune, ahead of the festive sales period in India.

The Slavia model line has recorded sales of nearly 80,000 units in India since its initial launch, capturing a segment market share of approximately 30 percent in its segment. The revised version introduces mechanical updates, including an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission paired with the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine, alongside a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. It also gets a rear seat massage function, a 360-degree camera system and an infotainment setup with a Google Cloud-powered artificial intelligence assistant.

Andreas Dick, Skoda Auto Chief Production Officer, said, "India has become an increasingly important production location for Skoda Auto and an integral part of our global manufacturing network. Over the years, we have built strong capabilities here, combining local expertise with Skoda Auto’s global standards for quality, efficiency and engineering. The start of production of the new Slavia is another demonstration of these capabilities and further underlines the strategic importance of India within our global operations. We are confident in the continued development of our Indian manufacturing capabilities and their contribution to Skoda Auto’s international growth."

Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, "The start of production of the new Slavia marks an important milestone in our India journey and demonstrates the strength of our development and manufacturing capabilities in the country. The Slavia has developed a strong fan base through its design, driving dynamics, safety and engineering, and the new model builds on these strengths with meaningful enhancements in technology, comfort and convenience. With production now underway in Pune, we look forward to bringing the latest evolution of the Slavia to our customers while continuing to deliver the quality and engineering excellence they expect from a Skoda."

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “For over 90 years, sedans have been an integral part of our global heritage. The new Slavia proudly carries this legacy forward. With close to 30% segment share, the Slavia has earned the trust of Indian customers. The new Slavia elevates everything customers value about the car, combining timeless design, European engineering and safety, engaging performance, modern technology, and greater comfort. As we begin production of the new Slavia, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening Skoda’s sedan legacy in India with products that remain fresh, relevant, and aspirational.”

The assembly of the model forms part of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India's manufacturing operations across its two facilities, which possess a total annual production capacity of 315,000 units. The group surpassed two million locally manufactured vehicles in 2025 and has exported over 725,000 units to more than 40 international markets, supported by product development and localisation efforts at its Technology Centre in Pune.

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German luxury car brand Audi India has commenced local assembly of the all-new Audi Q3 at the Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ahead of its official market launch on 16 October 2026.

The model is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine and features Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, combining standard compact SUV proportions with localised production.

Piyush Arora, MD and CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “The start of production of the all-new Audi Q3 is an important milestone for our Group in India. It reflects the strong capabilities of our Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facility and our commitment to supporting the growth of our brands in the country. We are proud to produce the latest Audi Q3 in India, with the same high standards of quality, precision and engineering excellence that define Audi globally.”

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Brand Director, Audi India, said, “Today marks a significant day for us as we begin the start of production and take another important step towards the launch of the all-new Audi Q3. The Audi Q3 has been an important gateway to the Audi brand, and this new generation is set to build on that success with its distinctive design, progressive technology and dynamic character. We see the all-new Audi Q3 as a strong catalyst for the next phase of our growth — helping us reach a broader customer base, strengthen our presence and further build the Audi brand in India.”

Bookings for the all-new Audi Q3 have opened across Audi India's official website, the myAudi Connect mobile application and the brand's dealership network in the country.

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Electric two-wheeler startup Creatara Mobility has inaugurated its initial production facility in Faridabad, Haryana, featuring an installed annual production capacity of 30,000 units. The facility marks the transition from research and development to assembly for the vehicle startup.

Located in the Delhi-NCR, the plant will produce Creatara's IN40 and VM4 electric two-wheeler models for distribution in domestic and export markets. The e-scooter utilise a proprietary platform incorporating an artificial intelligence-ready Vehicle Control Unit alongside portable, swappable battery packs. The manufacturing facility operates using the Japanese 5S organisational method to standardise production processes across assembly, component testing and battery integration.

Vikas Gupta, Founder and CEO, Creatara Mobility, said, "Creatara’s journey has never been about factories first, but about a vision realised step by step. It began with an idea, evolved into a product, proved its potential and achieved certification. Now, that vision is being industrialised and scaled. The path has been deliberate: Build → Validate → Certify → Industrialise → Scale — each stage strengthening the next."

The company first displayed its vehicle prototypes in January 2025 before securing product certifications and establishing supply chain partnerships. Creatara's business model targets young demographics through vehicle customisation options and distinct body designs across its electric crossover segment.

Ringlarei Pamei, Co-Founder, Creatara Mobility, said, "We have built Creatara with disciplined capital. Our focus has never been to spend our way into scale. It has been to create capability at every stage — technology, product, certification, supply chain and now manufacturing. We believe there is tremendous opportunity for companies that can combine ambition with capital discipline and that is the model we want to build at Creatara."

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