The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer had originally scheduled to unveil the pure electric model at Audi Summit in Brussels on August 30
Audi appears to have delayed its plans of revealing its first all-electric vehicle as the production E-Tron faces setback due to recent issues. The crossover was announced to make its global premiere on August 30 earlier but the arrest of chief executive Rupert Stadler has come a shocker for the brand and consequently resulting in launch delay of the E-Tron.
The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer had originally scheduled to unveil the pure electric model at Audi Summit in Brussels, the place where the EV is being manufactured. Amidst the sudden change in plans, the much-awaited E-Tron is expected to show its face to the public only towards the end of this year in United States according to Automotive News publication.
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However, while announcing the change of plans, Audi has said that it was plainly due to “organisational reasons”. The statement comes on the back of Rupert Stadler’s imprisonment by German authorities on the charges of suspicion. He was suspected to have interfered in the probe regarding Audi’s part in diesel emission cheating scandal.
Despite the E-Tron’s setback in unveiling, it is said to be well on course to launch in Europe before the closing stages of this year as thousands of customers have given deposits to the vehicle already. The E-Tron will use one electric at the front and two at the rear, enabling a combined power output of 429 hp and it is claimed to have range of 248.5 miles (400 km) under WLTP test protocol.
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The electric crossover will kick start a range of new EVs from Audi – a Sportback, compact car and a GT. Mercedes-Benz will pounce on the missed opportunity of Audi and make a head start with the debut of road-going EQ C electric crossover on September 4 in Sweden.
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