The Audi Neckarsulm production site has taken first place in Europe and Africa in the Initial Quality Study 2013 from J.D. Power. This is the first win for a site within the Volkswagen Group. The study documents the satisfaction of new car buyers 90 days after they receive their car. Consumers in the United States consider it an important indicator when making purchasing decisions.
J. D. Power presented the Audi Neckarsulm site with the gold award for best assembly quality in Europe and Africa. “This award speaks for our production system and honors the performance of each individual employee,” said Neckarsulm plant manager Fred Schulze. “Winning first place makes us proud and motivates us to consistently improve our already high quality standards.” Audi Neckarsulm is among the sites with the greatest product diversity within the Volkswagen Group and is the most complex plant in Europe. Models produced here include the A4 sedan, A5/S5 Cabriolet, A6 sedan and Avant, S6, A6 allroad, A6 hybrid, A7/S7 Sportback, A8/S8, A8 hybrid and A8L, R8 and R8 Spyder, RS 5 Cabriolet, RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback.
The Initial Quality Study has been conducted for 27 years now and serves as a reference in the industry for the quality of new cars. The study includes a catalog of more than 200 questions. The information helps manufacturers ensure quality and continuously improve their products. J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm. The company’s quality and satisfaction data are based on annual surveys of millions of consumers.