Audi Postpones, Moves e-tron Launch to U.S. After CEO Arrest [News]

Audi e-tron launch canceled, moved to U.S.
[Photo: Audi]

The August 30 Audi e-tron launch has been postponed until a later date

Audi had originally planned to launch its electric e-tron crossover in Brussels on August 30th. However, after CEO Rupert Stadler was arrested for on June 18 for his alleged connection to the Dieselgate scandal. To date, German police are holding Stadler in custody without bail, but prosecutors have not yet filed formal charges. Stadler has temporarily stepped aside while top sales executive Abraham Schot stepped in as interim CEO. According to an Automotive News report, Audi scheduled a full-day event to launch the e-tron in Belgium, where the company plans to build the production model.

In light of Stadler’s recent arrest on suspicion of evidence tampering, Audi will hold the launch event in the U.S. at a later date. Automotive News cites Audi made the decision for “organizational reasons”, but Audi did not give a new date or venue for the official e-tron launch. However, the e-tron’s sales launch in Europe won’t be affected by the launch’s postponement. “The e-tron will have its market launch at the end of the year. Nothing has changed,” said a spokesperson for Audi.

Audi e-tron launch canceled, moved to U.S.
The Audi e-tron Quattro, based on the concept above, will launch later this year. [Photo: Audi USA Newsroom]

Mercedes-Benz rival launches in September

While the Audi e-tron may have the same sales date, the company’s decision to postpone the launch means its rival Mercedes-Benz will launch first. Mercedes’ Tesla fighter, the EQC crossover, will launch in Stockholm on September 4. Audi has started taking reservations for the e-tron in Europe, which starts at 80,000 euros (approximately $93,300).

The Audi e-tron is the first model in a line of new all-electric releases. Within the next two years, Audi also plans to launch a sportback version of the e-tron, as well as a GT sedan and a compact model. According to Audi, the e-tron crossover can manage 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. It’s also capable of 310 miles of total electric range. The e-tron has three electric motors making a total of 320 kW (429 horsepower) and 590 lb-ft of torque.

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