In 2021, Audi electric vehicle deliveries will increase by nearly 60%, and electrification will become the core strategy

Recently, Audi released its 2021 financial report and related data. In the 2021 fiscal year, Audi generated sales revenue of approximately EUR 53 billion, operating profit of EUR 5.5 billion, operating profit margin of 10.4 percent and net cash flow of EUR 7.8 billion for the Audi Group. It can be seen that although affected by unfavorable factors such as repeated epidemics and chip shortages, Audi still has a good brand strength and a strong hematopoietic ability.

"With the Vorsprung 2030 strategy, Audi has a clear plan for future electrification and digital development." "Last year, we made it clear that Audi is on the right path to continue to accelerate the transformation of its business model to carbon-neutral and connected mobility," said Mr. Dusman, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG. ”

Operating profit and net cash flow reached a new high

Specifically, thanks to the good pricing and market performance of audi Q3, Audi Q5, Audi e-tron family and Lamborghini and Ducati brands, Audi's 2021 financial report shows that Audi Group sales revenue reached 53.068 billion euros, an increase of 6.2% compared with the previous year.

The Audi Group's operating profit in FY2021 reached a record high of EUR 5,498 million compared to EUR 2,569 million in FY2020, compared to a profit margin from 10.4% from operating sales and 5.1% in FY2020.

In this regard, Audi said: "In addition to the increase in sales revenue, it is also inseparable from the continuous cost optimization, raw material hedging and the positive impact of the positive effect of currency exchange rates." ”

At the same time, Audi's business in China is also reflected in terms of financial income, including the China business, the Operating Margin of audi Group has reached 12.5%.

The Audi Group's net cash flow also set a new record of €7,757 million in fiscal 2021, compared to €4,589 million in fiscal 2020. Thanks to higher profitability levels, working capital management during semiconductor supply shortages, and continued investment optimization, the Group's net cash flow increased by almost 70% compared to last year.

From the sales data, the Audi brand delivery volume reached 1.6805 million units in 2021, down 0.7% compared with 1.6928 million units in 2020, almost flat. It is worth noting that because of Audi's layout in the electrification transformation, the delivery volume of pure electric vehicle models in 2021 has increased significantly, reaching nearly 82,000 units, an increase of 57.5% year-on-year.

Looking ahead to the 2022 fiscal year, audi group expects to deliver between 1.8 and 1.9 million vehicles. Sales revenue is expected to be between €62 billion and €65 billion and maintain strong pricing levels. Operating sales margins are expected to be between 9% and 11%. As operations normalize and investment activities increase, there will be a slight increase in corporate costs. The Group's net cash flow is expected to be between €4.5 billion and €5.5 billion.

The transformation of electrification is inseparable from the Chinese market

Notably, Audi Group said that the 2022 financial performance forecast will take the Bentley brand into account for the first time. Within the Audi Group, the Audi, Bentley, Ducati and Lamborghini brands will work more closely together in the future. For example, the parties will jointly develop joint plans for electric mobility and digital technologies. The Audi Group expects to realize synergy potential of up to nine figures in value and has set a goal: from 2030, the Group will deliver more than 3 million vehicles to customers annually and plans to achieve an operating sales margin of more than 11%.

It can be seen that Audi's development plan for the future electrification route has become clearer and clearer, and it also regards the electrification transformation as a key point. As an important part of the "Vorsprung 2030" strategy, Audi became the first German high-end car manufacturer to announce a roadmap for the withdrawal of its fuel vehicle business in mid-2021. Starting in 2026, All of Audi's new models released to the global market will be converted to pure electric models. In 2026, Audi plans to offer more than 20 pure electric models.

"This year, we will focus more on sustainability, electrification, digitalization and other areas, and continue to promote the implementation of the 2030 transformation strategy." This means that we will gradually fade away from internal combustion engine technology, develop a complete roadmap for electrification transformation, and actively work with CARIAD, the software division of the Volkswagen Group, to create new digital business models and services. ”

If you want to stand out on the electrification track, you can't do without this key link in the Chinese market. Objectively speaking, China has now become the world's largest market for new energy vehicles, with a large choice of models and a long development cycle, which has become a fertile ground for all brands to exert electric power.

In fiscal 2021, Audi's sales revenue in China reached 1.14 billion euros, And Audi said: "Together with partners China FAW and SAIC Motor, we will further work together in the future to enhance Audi's influence in the Chinese market, especially in the field of pure electric vehicles." According to the plan, by 2026, Audi plans to offer more than ten pure electric models in the Chinese market. And with its long-term partner China FAW, audi FAW New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. was established to achieve the next important milestone in Audi's electrification in China. As the controlling shareholder of the company, Audi will work with partners to produce pure electric Audi models based on ppE platform in Changchun, and continue to expand the lineup of local electric vehicle models. By 2024, Audi and Volkswagen Group China and joint venture partners plan to invest around €15 billion in e-mobility in China. In addition to continuing to expand its lineup of electric models, Audi will also invest in innovative technologies such as autonomous driving and automotive electronics.

Car commentator Ren Wanfu told the "China Times" reporter: "Now the blue ocean of the mainland luxury car market is still very large, on the one hand, the trend of domestic automobile consumption upgrading is still very obvious, on the other hand, luxury brand products, prices and channels will still be further explored, plundering the market share of ordinary brands." This means that if Audi wants to stand in a permanent place, the key lies in whether it can accurately grasp the blue ocean of the luxury car market. Therefore, if the Audi brand wants to strengthen its position and share in the high-end automobile market, it is necessary to accelerate the transformation of electrification, enrich the product layout, and occupy a part of the high-end electrified automobile market. ”

Responsible Editor: Li Yan'an Editor-in-Chief: Yu Jianping