Audi has started production in Curitiba in the Brazilian federal state of Parana. This latest of 13 assembly factories worldwide is the first in South America.
"We see great potential in the Brazilian market. Our goal there is to maintain our leading position in the premium segment over the long term," said Audi procurement manager Bernd Martens. "On our global growth path, we will also utilise the potential of high added value in Brazil. So as well as the A3 sedan, we will soon also produce the Q3 in Curitiba and will procure as many components as possible locally."
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The A3 sedan 1.4 TFSI Flex produced in Curitiba is the first Audi with a flex-fuel engine. Brazil is the world's biggest market for flex-fuel engines and over 90% of cars newly registered are so fitted. Deliveries start in November 2015.
Jörg Hofmann, CEO of Audi do Brasil, said: "Since the market launch of the A3 sedan in 2014, we have doubled our sales volume in Brazil and are the market leader in this segment. This is a strong confirmation that we have chosen the right model for Curitiba."
In 2016, the automaker will open a second plant in the Americas, in San José Chiapa, Mexico.
