Innovation leap in logistics: Audi develops first Supermarket 2.0 for the automotive industry

Employees used to cover large distances when picking under the person-to-goods principle. Supermarket 2.0 makes the goods-to-person principle possible on a large scale for the first time. The AGVs roll under the containers with the necessary components and transport them to a fixed pick station in the correct sequence. At each station, a logistics employee prepares the components required on the production line. The Audi Fleet Manager functions as the central control software. As the racks take up less space, Audi will reduce storage space by around
25 percent in the future.

“With Supermarket 2.0 and Audi Fleet Manager we are marking an important milestone on the way to smart logistics of the future,” says Peter Kössler, Board Member for Production and Logistics at AUDI AG. The wide variety of parts and need for correct sequencing makes automobile production challenging for the centralized control of automated guided vehicles. Developed in-house, Supermarket 2.0 is being used for volume production at Audi headquarters in Ingolstadt. The software currently controls eight automated guided vehicles simultaneously, with this figure rising to 32 by the end of the year.

In Foshan, China, Audi experts and employees from FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Company Ltd. have planned and set up a similar Supermarket 2.0 in parallel. The system went live in early 2020 in the FAW-VW plant which manufactures the Audi A3, Audi Q2L and Audi Q2L e-tron for the Chinese market as well as various other vehicles of the Volkswagen Group. The solution was based on an AGV system from a local manufacturer and was customized to the specific requirements of Supermarket 2.0 and automobile production. “Worldwide, the Audi experts benefit hugely from the experience their colleagues in Ingolstadt acquired with their pioneering work,” says Dieter Braun, Head of Supply Chain AUDI AG.

In 2015, Audi became the world’s first automobile manufacturer to test the goods-to-person principle on a small scale. AGVs helped employees pick the driver’s manuals in the “supermarket of the future.” The guided vehicles currently used in the Ingolstadt Supermarket 2.0 can transport material weighing up to a ton and move at a speed of 1.5 m/second to guarantee employee safety at all times. Audi is also pioneering innovation in the Volkswagen Group with its custom-developed Supermarket 2.0 solution. The Group also plans to use the solution at other Audi locations and with other Group brands.

Audi Fleet Manager will offer another benefit in the future. Each AGV manufacturer uses its own control software, meaning different vehicles could not communicate with each other in the past. Vehicles needed separate drive routes to prevent collisions. However, vehicles from different manufacturers have their own particular strengths and so often complement each other well. As a result, Audi was looking for a solution where these vehicles could operate simultaneously in the same area. Supermarket 2.0 will provide a use case to do just that in the future. Audi experts will test and implement the solution developed with the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and also look at upstream and downstream processes.

The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept

*The collective consumption values of all models named and available on the German market can be found in the list provided at the end of this MediaInfo.

This gives potential Q4 customers the opportunity to start thinking about which version they prefer roughly a year before the first vehicles will be delivered: the versatility and robustness of the classic SUV or the dynamic elegance of the Coupé variant. The dimensions of the two Q4 models are almost identical: With an exterior length of 4.60 meters (15.1 ft) and a height of 1.60 m (5.2 ft), the Sportback is one centimeter (0.4 in) longer and flatter. The Q4 variants are identical in terms of their width of 1.90 m (6.2 ft) and their wheelbase of 2.77 meters (9.1 ft).

The two concept cars, which are already offering a clear look ahead at the top-of-the-range engine line-up of the coming series production model, also have the same drive technology. Two electric motors mobilize 225 kW of system output in the Q4 and Q4 Sportback e-tron concept. As is typical for Audi, the driving power is brought to the road with quattro all-wheel drive. Thanks to excellent traction, both versions of the Q4 accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 6.3 seconds. Top speed is restricted to 180 km/h (111.8 mph).

A large battery with a capacity of 82 kilowatt hours takes up almost the entire space in the underbody area between the axles. The range of over 450 kilometers (279.6 mi) – in line with the WLTP standard – sets the benchmark in its class. Versions with rear-wheel drive will offer a range of over 500 kilometers (310.7 mi) in accordance with WLTP. The technology of the Q4 e-tron concept is provided by the modular electrification platform (MEB), which will be integrated in numerous electric vehicles produced by the Volkswagen Group in the future, from the compact class to the superior medium-size class. The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept offers an advance look at what will already be the seventh series production electric vehicle that the manufacturer will introduce by 2021.

Sexy back: the exterior

The silhouette of the Sportback slopes downward to the back in a subtle and dynamic curve. The roof line transitions into the significantly inclined D-pillars and ends in a horizontal spoiler at the level of the lower window edge. As a result, the future Audi Q4 Sportback appears much longer than its sister model, the Q4 e-tron concept.

The striking broad light band that connects the two lamp units on the rear end of the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept was incorporated to reflect an element of the Audi Q4 e-tron concept. It is clearly visible even here that these two models belong to the same e-tron family, as the close relation to the e-tron Sportback* is obvious. This also applies to the inside of the lights, where the significant sweep of the LED segments is also reminiscent of an element of the older brother. The striking design of the bumper diffuser unit with its horizontal slats and the illuminated e-tron logo in the middle is an element that the two Q4 versions share.

When looking at it from the front, the Singleframe with the four rings brand logo identifies the Q4 Sportback e-tron concept as an Audi vehicle. And it will take no more than two glances to see that this is an electric Audi: Like the first production Audi with electric drive, the new concept vehicle also features a structured closed surface within a broad, almost upright octagonal frame in place of a traditional radiator grille.

The prominently modeled fenders of all four wheels are a further classic Audi design feature that has distinguished the brand since the legendary original quattro 1980. The widened features of the Q4 e-tron concept and Q4 Sportback concept are designed to be highly organic and flowing, and they add a characteristic touch to the side view. The accentuation of the rocker panel area between the axles, where the battery and thus the powerhouse of this SUV is located, is a typical feature of the e-tron. Large 22-inch wheels leave no doubt as to the potential of the newest member of the Audi family.

The Q4 Sportback e-tron concept is painted in the new kinetic grey color, a light metallic and pearl effect color that takes on a distinct greenish tinge depending on the angle of the light. In contrast, the lower sections of the body are painted in a dark grey color. This segmentation emphasizes the width and horizontal orientation of the vehicle’s architecture.

Sense of spaciousness – the interior

With its dimensions, the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept also takes its position in the upper third of the compact class. Its road space requirements qualify the electric SUV as an agile all-rounder. In terms of the interior, by contrast, its wheelbase of 2.77 meters (9.1 ft) puts it at least one class higher. As there is no transmission tunnel restricting the space, the Q4 Sportback e-tron concept offers unsuspected spaciousness and comfort, especially in terms of legroom at the front and even more in the rear.

The color scheme emphasizes the sense of spaciousness. While light, warm colors dominate the upper section of the cabin, the dark carpet in the floor section provides a contrast. The headlining, the window pillars and the upper section of the door rail and dash panel are fitted with white and beige microfiber textiles. Sustainability is the top priority not only in terms of the electric drive in the Audi Q4 and Q4 Sportback: The floor covering is made of recycled materials. Instead of chrome-plated metal decor frames, the surfaces are covered with a high-quality multi-layer paint finish. The painted frosted Plexiglas on the applications creates an intensive depth effect. Four seats with integrated head restraints are upholstered with comfortable Alcantara material manufactured with exquisite workmanship. Double seams stitched with thick yarn adorn the upholstery.

The display of the Audi virtual cockpit with the most important display elements for speed, charge level, and navigation is located behind the steering wheel. The large-format head-up display with an augmented reality function is a new feature. It can display important graphical information, such as directional arrows for turning, directly on the course of the road.

Control panels designed as touch elements on the steering wheel spokes can be used to select frequently used functions. In the middle above the center console, there is a 12.3-inch touchscreen via which the infotainment and vehicle functions are displayed and operated. It is tilted toward the driver for greater ease of operation. A strip of buttons for controlling the air conditioning is located below it.

As the center console does not need to hold functional elements such as a gear lever or hand brake actuation elements, it is designed as a spacious stowage compartment that includes a cell phone charging cradle. There is a horizontal area in high-quality design into which the selector button for the transmission mode is integrated and that also serves as a cover for the front section of the console. In addition to the conventional lower storage compartment, the doors now provide the possibility to store bottles in the specially molded upper section, where they are easy to reach.

Efficient performer: drive system and suspension

The modular electrification platform (MEB) offers a broad range of drive variants and power levels. The performance version of the electric drive is installed in the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept. The front and rear axles are each powered by an electric motor – this Q4 Sportback is a quattro. There is no mechanical connection between the axles. Instead, an electronic control ensures that the torque distribution is coordinated optimally, and it does so in fractions of a second. That enables the SUV Coupé to achieve optimum traction in all weather conditions and on any type of surface.

In most cases, the Q4 Sportback e-tron concept mainly uses its rear electric motor, a permanently excited synchronous motor, in order to achieve the highest efficiency. For reasons of efficiency, the drive torque is generally distributed with a rear-axle bias.

If the driver demands more power than the rear electric motor can supply, the electric all-wheel drive uses the front asynchronous motor to redistribute the torque as required to the front axle. This also happens predictively even before slip occurs in icy conditions or when cornering fast, or if the car understeers or oversteers.

The electric motor in the rear end has an output of 150 kW and mobilizes a torque of 310 newton meters (228.6 lb-ft); the front motor supplies the front wheels with up to 75 kW and 150 newton meters (110.6 lb-ft). The system output is 225 kW. The battery in the vehicle floor stores 82 kilowatt hours, which allows for a range of more than 450 kilometers (279.6 mi) according to the WLTP standard. The battery is charged with a maximum of 125 kilowatts. It therefore takes little more than 30 minutes to reach 80 percent of the total capacity.

However, the recipe for this excellent range involves far more than just an energy storage unit with a large capacity. Just like the first member of the family, the Audi Q4 e-tron concept, the Audi Q4 Sportback also presents itself as an efficiency virtuoso, starting with the low aerodynamic drag of the body, whose drag coefficient is 0.26 and therefore 0.01 below that of the Q4 e-tron SUV. The compact electric product line also features a sophisticated recuperation strategy, leaving out no possibility for optimizing its range. The complex thermal management of the drive and battery, which involves a CO2 heat pump, also contributes to this.

Sporty, precise handling

A key factor for the sporty character and outstanding transverse dynamics is the low and central position at which the drive components are installed. The high-voltage battery system is optimally matched to the dimensions of the Audi Q4 Sportback and is located between the axles in the form of a flat, broad block beneath the passenger compartment. The battery system weighs 510 kilograms (1,124.4 lb). The center of gravity of the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept is therefore at a similar level to that of a sedan with a conventional drive system.

Axle load distribution is perfectly balanced at almost 50:50. The front wheels of the Q4 Sportback e-tron concept are guided on a MacPherson axle with adaptive dampers. In the rear, there is a multi-link axle with separate springs and adaptive dampers.

The modular electrification platform MEB: the base

MLB, MQB – modular longitudinal platform and modular lateral platform: These component systems for vehicle development represent a great success story in all segments of Audi and the Volkswagen Group. Previous platforms were designed primarily for the use of combustion engines. What is new and different about the modular electrification platform: It was designed specifically and exclusively for automobiles with electric drive systems. Axles, drives, wheelbases and the interaction between all components are selected and adapted specifically for e-mobility.

The placement of the large-volume battery units and their geometry can therefore be optimized without having to make concessions to other drive concepts that must always be taken into account in the MLB and MQB.

At the same time, the MEB opens up a huge synergy potential. This platform serves as the basis primarily for electric cars in the high-volume A segment. It allows the best technology available to be developed jointly across brands and used in many different electric cars. The MEB thus also helps electric mobility to break through even in the particularly price-sensitive compact segment.

E-initiative: more than 20 electric drive models by 2025

The brand with the four rings launched its electric offensive with the world premiere of the all-electric SUV Audi e-tron* in September 2018. By 2025, Audi will offer more than 20 automobiles with all-electric drive in the most important markets worldwide and achieve roughly 40 percent of its sales with electrified models. The SUVs within this portfolio include the e-tron* and the e-tron Sportback*. In addition, there will be a range of models with classic body layout such as Avant and Sportback. The range will cover every relevant market segment from the compact class to the luxury class.

Fuel consumption of the models named above:
(Fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures given in ranges depend on the equipment selected)

Audi e-tron 50 quattro
Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): 26.6–22.4 (WLTP); 24.3–21.9 (NEDC)
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0

Audi e-tron 55 quattro
Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): 26.4–22.4 (WLTP); 23.1–21.0 (NEDC)
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0

Audi e-tron Sportback 50 quattro
Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): 26.3–21.6 (WLTP); 23.9–21.4 (NEDC)
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0

Audi e-tron Sportback 55 quattro
Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): 26.0–21.9 (WLTP); 22.7–20.6 (NEDC)
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0 

Dr. Gabriel Weber – Biography

Dr. Gabriel Weber was born on July 8, 1975, in Bamberg, Germany. 

After training as a banker, he began his studies in business administration in 1998 at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich. He then earned his doctorate at the Technical University of Munich in 2005 with the topic of “Equity capital costs of selected companies on the basis of modern capital market theory”. 

He began his career in 2006 as a consultant at Siemens AG. He moved to BMW AG in 2007, initially as a consultant for business management methods. Starting in 2011, he was responsible as head of price and volume planning for special equipment and ex-factory sales pricing. He took over as head of BMW Group longterm objectives in late 2015. He was responsible in that position for long-term financial planning, the budget process, and the business management of investment controlling. 

Dr. Gabriel Weber has been with Audi since March 2020 and provisionally assumed the position of Head of Global Sales Planning and Steering on July 1.

René Rast drives Audi Formula E car for the first time

33 days to go before Formula E returns to the race track with six races in Berlin. The Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team continued its preparation for the showdown in the German capital by testing at the Lausitzring, around 130 kilometers south of Berlin. With the team for the first time, René Rast was behind the wheel of the purely-electric racing car with which Audi is fighting for the titles in the drivers’ and teams’ championships.

“An open car, completely different sound and completely different focus while testing than compared to the DTM. There were a lot of new experiences during the past few days,” says René Rast after his first taste. “I was very well received in the team and in Lucas I have a very open and experienced teacher at my side. I had a lot of fun with my first kilometers and I’m looking forward to the races in Berlin more and more every day, even if I know that it will be a huge challenge and anything but easy.”

Rast shared the car during two days of testing with his teammate Lucas di Grassi, who, with 2,294 Formula E racing laps, travels to Berlin with much more experience. “After many weeks of video and telephone conferences, it was nice to be able to work with the team again in real life,” says di Grassi, who has spent the past few months with his family in Brazil and only returned to his adopted home of Monaco a few weeks ago. “We have six races ahead of us that will decide the championship. Everything is still open and, accordingly, we want to come to Berlin perfectly prepared. The testing is an important step on the way there.”

Audi is now continuing its preparation with further testing and intensive work in the simulator and with the engineers. Things will become serious in a few weeks when Formula E completes three double headers within a week, from August 5–6, 8–9 and 12–13, concluding the season that was interrupted at the end of February. Together with the DTM races that René Rast is taking part in for Audi in parallel, the German even has twelve races in 23 days during August.