Audi has found another way to reduce the emissions associated with the manufacture of its cars; using a train powered by green electricity to transport its new vehicles from the production line to the docks, ready for shipping.
Its 36-strong model line-up produced at headquarters in Inglostadt, Germany can now be transported to the North Sea loading port of Emden, emission-free.
From this month onwards, the German brand will be operating its transport trains on the Ingolstadt – Emden route with electricity from renewable energy sources. This allows Audi to eliminate the emission of around 5,250 tons of CO2 per year, more than 35 kilograms (77 lb) per car transported. The line to the North Sea loading port, the hub for overseas exports, is the brand’s most important transport route. Three trains loaded with Audi models travel this route each day and carry roughly 150,000 cars a year.
"CO2-free rail transport is an important element of our environmental efforts and is of great interest to us," says Ernst-Hermann Krog, Head of Audi Brand Logistics.
Audi is also establishing an ever-more energy efficient range of cars too. Currently its range consists of 53 engine and transmission variants with emission of 140g/km CO2 or less. Of these, 19 versions achieve CO2 emissions of less than 120 g/km, and three of less than 100 g/km.
