Core Viewpoint - Audi has officially retracted its goal for full electrification by 2033, indicating a shift in strategy under the new CEO Gernot Döllner, who plans to continue producing combustion engine vehicles until around 2035 or longer, while maintaining a parallel development of combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles until 2035 [1][2][3]. Group 1: Strategic Decisions - The previous CEO's aggressive electrification timeline is deemed outdated, leading to a more flexible approach to product offerings that includes combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles [1][2]. - Other German luxury car manufacturers, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz, have also adjusted their electrification plans, indicating a collective shift among major players in the industry [2]. - Audi's financial performance has suffered due to strategic missteps, with a projected revenue of €64.5 billion in 2024, a 7.6% decline year-on-year, and a significant drop in operating profit by 37.8% to €3.903 billion [3][11]. Group 2: Market Performance - Audi's electric vehicle sales have not met expectations, with global sales of pure electric vehicles at 118,200 units in 2022 and 178,000 units in 2023, accounting for less than 10% of total sales [5][9]. - The launch of the Q6 e-tron has been delayed due to software development issues, resulting in a projected delivery of only 15,000 units in 2024 [5][6]. - In 2024, Audi's global sales are expected to decline by 11.8%, with significant drops in major markets: China down 10.9%, the U.S. down 14%, and Germany down 21.3% [9][11]. Group 3: Operational Changes - Audi has initiated a series of reforms, including the closure of its Brussels plant, which produced 53,000 electric vehicles in 2023, representing about 30% of its total electric vehicle deliveries [9][13]. - The company plans to cut 7,500 jobs in Germany by 2029 and aims to reduce material costs by €8 billion and labor costs by €10 billion by 2030 [13]. - Audi's new CEO has emphasized the need for a more competitive product lineup, with plans to launch over 20 new models in the next two years, including the Q6 e-tron and Q3 [15][16].