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'Worldwide, every third Audi will be an SUV by 2020'

Automotive News Europe reports the new Audi manufacturing facility in San Jose Chiapa, Mexico will increase the automaker's production capacity for the Q5 SUV by 150,000 units per year. While the plant will supply every market with the exception of China, most of the production is slated to head to the US.
While speaking with ANE, Audi CEO Rupert Stradler said, "Worldwide, every third Audi will be an SUV by 2020." So far this year, 40 percent of Audi vehicles sold in the US have been light trucks, with the company's sales in that segment jumping by 53 percent. By comparison, Audi passenger car sales have increased by just one percent.
The first Q5 vehicles from the San Hose Chiapa plant will show up on dealer lots in 2016. Audi of America recently received a larger 9,000-unit allocation of Q5 models after seeing sales increase 36 percent through April compared to the same period in 2012.

Recharge Wrap-up: Tesla seeks Gigafactory architect, Uber hails carpools

Tesla is looking for an architect to help design its proposed Gigafactory battery manufacturing facility. According to the Palo Alto-based job listing, which is titled "Architect - Gigafactory," the applicant must have, among other qualifications, over five years of experience with "high-tech infrastructure and operational facilities (semiconductor, solar, battery, waste water treatment plants, etc.)." The job also includes being away from home quite a bit, as it the listing states, "This full time role requires the flexibility of traveling when needed (up to 70 percent) and doing whatever it takes to achieve project objectives." Think you've got what it takes? See the listing for yourself, here, or read more at Silicon Valley Business Journal. Tesla has appointed Robyn Denholm of Juniper Networks to its board of directors. Denholm is Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Operations Officer at Juniper Networks. Denholm replaces Brad Buss as chair of Tesla's Audit Committee and a member of the company's Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees. Buss will remain a member of Tesla's board as he joins SolarCity as CFO. Denholm is Tesla's first female director. Read more at Bloomberg, or in the press release below. Uber, the company behind the now famous ride-hailing app, is introducing its carpooling service, UberPool. The service matches drivers with (hopefully multiple) passengers going to similar destinations, with users paying just a fraction of the cost of a normal taxi, or even an Uber ride. If a rider can't get matched with a driver, they can enjoy a discounted Uber ride. As the company points out in its blog, "At these price points, Uber really is cost-competitive with owning a car, which is a game-changer for consumers." UberPool is currently running a private beta program, which it plans to expand on August 15. Read more in-depth about the UberPool at Forbes, or learn more at Uber's blog. For a few reasons why this new expansion might run afoul of archaic laws (put there to keep entrenched interests in play), check out Engadget. Plug-in hybrids are encouraging an evolution of transmission technology. Companies like Schaeffler and ZF Friedrichshafen are adapting their transmissions to include electric motors within them for use in plug-in hybrids. For example, the electric motor in ZF's eight-speed powers the transmission when the internal combustion engine is shut off.

2017 Audi A4 Allroad ups the Avant

Can't decide between a wagon and a crossover? Audi offers both, of course, but it will also split the difference with the new A4 Allroad Quattro. It's based on the latest A4, but offers the extra cargo space, rugged look, and increased ride height of a crossover, without the added bulk that usually goes with it. Unveiled today at the Detroit Auto Show, the new A4 Allroad starts life as an A4 Avant wagon, but features a number of upgrades that ought to appeal to the elegantly outdoorsy among us. All-wheel drive comes standard, of course, and ride height is increased by a little less than an inch. Combined with the larger wheels, that nets 1.3 inches more ground clearance for getting through snow banks and whatnot. The suspension uses a five-link setup at both ends. The rugged look is further accentuated by the flared fenders, new rear bumper, underbody guard plates, and roof rails. Otherwise it's essentially the same as the new A4 we've already seen. Motivation is provided by a range of TFSI and TDI engines ranging from 150 horsepower to 272, mated to either a six-speed manual, seven-speed dual-clutch, or eight-speed automatic transmission. That, of course, is on a global scale, with details on US pricing and availability to follow. In the meantime, you can scope out the live images from the floor of the Cobo Center in the gallery above, and the full details in the press release below. Perfect companion in any situation: the new Audi A4 allroad quattro - 34 millimeters (1.3 in) more ground clearance and "offroad" mode - Extroverted, individual design and extensive equipment - Powerful TFSI and TDI engines, quattro drive standard The new Audi A4 allroad quattro* embodies a unique concept: It combines high driving comfort with off-road qualities, thus enjoying a unique position in its segment. Thanks to the standard quattro drive and increase ground clearance, it also keeps on driving where the paved road ends. The new Audi A4 allroad quattro is defined by its individual look. The powerfully flared wheel arches and the rear bumper attract attention. They are finished in matt structure gray or painted in the body color. The robust underbody guard and the rear diffuser are finished in selenite silver. The sporty, distinctive front end with jagged headlights, unique bumper and model-specific air intakes underscores its extroverted character. Vertical chrome slats adorn the sculpted Singleframe grille.