Audi Elaine is an electric-powered SUV coupe that will allow for highly automated motoring even without a driver on board. (image: Audi Korea)
SEOUL, Jun. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — Having halted sales of its vehicles in South Korea after the onset of “dieselgate,” Audi Korea announced “Roadmap E Korea” on Wednesday in support of the nation’s electric car industry.
Analysts say the roadmap is a strategy aimed at regaining public trust in the company as Audi Korea tries hard to relaunch sales operations.
Audi’s business plan, which includes “Roadmap E Korea”, was unveiled at the “Audi Vision Night” ahead of the 2018 Busan International Motor Show at the Hilton Busan that opened today.
According to the roadmap, the German carmaker signed partnerships with charging station operators and promised to fund the installment of 400 new charging stands at 150 charging stations by 2021.
An official at Audi Korea said that the company will help create an environment where electronic car owners can use vehicles with ease.
In addition, the company agreed to install express charging stands at dealers and service centers nationwide as it awaits the launch of “e-tron,” Audi’s first mid-sized SUV to operate solely on electric energy.
Audi Korea plans to open two dealerships and four service centers by 2019.
And by 2020, the carmaker says it will increase the number of dealerships and service centers by four each. In total, Audi’s goal is to operate 42 dealerships and 45 service centers.
As such, the carmaker is trying to elevate customer satisfaction by expanding its service infrastructure even before it starts selling its vehicles.
After being hit hard by the “dieselgate” scandal, Audi Korea is trying to normalize its business operations in Korea this year by introducing new car models into the market.
In March, it released its A6 35 TDI model, and in the year’s latter half, Audi will start selling a newer version of its A4 model with the goal of selling 15,000 vehicles.
This is just half the total number of Audi cars sold in 2014 before “dieselgate.”
For next year, Audi is planning to sell a total of 13 different models including the Q2 (SUV), Q5, A6, A7, A8 and e-tron.
Cedric Journel, Audi Korea’s managing director, said that regaining public trust will be his main priority in order to maintain growth that is sustainable.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
