# Audi strengthens competitiveness measures and lowers 2026 targets

> Audi is facing a more difficult economic and competitive environment over the first nine months of 2026 and is strengthening its competitiveness measures by redirecting investments toward future growth areas and reducing costs. The automaker has scaled back its ambitions for 2026, notably due to the decline in its sales in China, while plug-in hybrids are gaining ground in its mix. It is ending production of the A8 at Neckarsulm after 32 years, with the site switching to the A5. Workforce adjustment measures, such as seconding employees to defense companies, and the discontinuation of the A8 specifically concern Germany, while the target reduction is linked to the decline in sales in China.

**In brief**: Ongoing story bringing together 4 events involving Audi and Volkswagen Group, in 3 countries (Allemagne, Chine, États-Unis), followed from 30 October 2026 to 4 November 2026. 12 articles from 8 sources (plants, jobs and earnings); last updated on 4 November 2026 at 09:00.

- Status: ongoing
- Scope: International
- Category: Plants, jobs and earnings
- Countries: Allemagne, Chine, États-Unis
- Brands: Audi, Volkswagen Group
- First detected: 30 October 2026 at 01:00
- Updated: 4 November 2026 at 09:00
- Web page: https://mecapress.com/stories/55-audi-strengthens-competitiveness-measures-and-lowers-2026-targets

## National stories (2)

- Germany — 1 country-specific event, 6 articles
- France — 0 country-specific event, 2 articles

## Sources by country and language

- Germany: 6 articles, 4 outlets
- France: 2 articles, 2 outlets
- United Kingdom: 1 articles, 1 outlets
- Italy: 1 articles, 1 outlets
- Netherlands: 1 articles, 1 outlets
- United States: 1 articles, 1 outlets

**Languages**: German (5), English (3), French (2), Italian (1), Dutch (1)

## Timeline (4 events)

### 30 October 2026 — [Audi strengthens competitiveness measures after nine difficult months](https://mecapress.com/events/8-audi-strengthens-competitiveness-measures-after-nine-difficult-months.md)

Audi faces a more challenging economic and competitive environment over the first nine months of 2026. The automaker is refocusing its investments on future growth areas and reducing costs.

2 sources, 2 articles · Worldwide (Allemagne, Chine)

### 31 October 2026 — [Audi wants to loan employees to defense companies](https://mecapress.com/events/662-audi-wants-to-loan-employees-to-defense-companies.md)

Amid a crisis, Audi is considering making employees available to defense sector companies to adjust its workforce.

1 sources, 4 articles · Allemagne

### 31 October 2026 — [Audi lowers 2026 ambitions as China slips](https://mecapress.com/events/158-audi-lowers-2026-ambitions-as-china-slips.md)

Audi is lowering its 2026 targets amid declining sales in China, while plug-in hybrids gain ground in its mix.

5 sources, 5 articles · Allemagne, Chine, États-Unis

### 4 November 2026 — [Audi ends A8 production at Neckarsulm after 32 years](https://mecapress.com/events/3944-audi-ends-a8-production-at-neckarsulm-after-32-years.md)

Audi ends production of its A8 at the Neckarsulm plant after 32 years; the site switches to the A5 and the future of the luxury sedan remains uncertain.

1 sources, 1 articles · Neckarsulm — Allemagne

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Cite as: Mecapress, “Audi strengthens competitiveness measures and lowers 2026 targets”, https://mecapress.com/stories/55-audi-strengthens-competitiveness-measures-and-lowers-2026-targets
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