Step up to support your automotive family: Walk and fundraise for Ben

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. This month, automotive industry charity Ben is celebrating National Walking Month by inviting everyone in the automotive community to step up for its latest walking challenge events: Thames Bridges Trek and the Kiltwalk. With 35% of people in the automotive industry lacking regular physical activity, this is the perfect opportunity to take steps and make a difference. Physical activity is also one of the best ways to improve all aspects of health and wellbeing[1], so Ben is encouraging automotive people to get their walking shoes ready and get involved… ●Thames Bridges Trek – 13th September 2025Join a community of 2,500 people on a 25km adventure across 16 of the capital’s most iconic bridges. An unforgettable day out, offering camaraderie, a sense of community, and incredible views of London’s skyline. Find out more and sign up: www.ben.org.uk/trek. ●The Kiltwalk – Multiple dates and locations in ScotlandBe a hero in a kilt and join the legendary Kiltwalk, taking in breathtaking Scottish scenery in a choice of locations. Whether taking on 4 miles, 11 miles, or the full 20 miles, every step taken will help change, and even save, lives across our automotive family. Locations and dates are: ○ Aberdeen – 1st June 2025 ○ Dundee – 17th June 2025 ○ Edinburgh – 14th September 2025 Find out more and sign up: www.ben.org.uk/kiltwalk. By taking part in these events, participants will raise vital funds to help those in the industry who are struggling, or facing life’s toughest challenges. Whether walking with mates, family or colleagues, these events are the perfect way to get moving, raise vital funds, and make a difference. Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement and Income, said: “Right now, so many in our automotive family are facing real challenges, from struggles with stress, mental health, and money problems. Every step you take and every pound you raise enables us to support those who are struggling, or in crisis. “So sign up today and challenge yourself to walk in support of your automotive family. By lacing up and stepping out for Ben, you’re doing more than just walking, you’re helping us change and save lives. So gather your colleagues, friends, or family, and join us, because together, we can walk towards a healthier future for everyone in our industry.” Sign up for tips, advice & tools for your health & wellbeingReceive regular tips, advice and tools for your health & wellbeing to your inbox: www.ben.org.uk/signup. Ben is here for automotive industry people so get in touch now if you’re struggling via our free and confidential helpline. Don’t suffer in silence, contact our helpline: 08081 311 333 or visit www.ben.org.uk/gethelp for more ways to get in touch. -ENDS- Note to editors:About BenBen is the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, providing support for life for them and their family dependents. Ben supports individuals to navigate through life’s challenges, empowering them to make positive, lasting change. Ben works with people to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential online self-help, helpline and support services. Ben provides life-changing support to those facing crisis as well as helping them prevent crisis. Ben’s support empowers people to be more in control of managing their health and wellbeing to help them live well, think well, feel well and work well. Ben’s support is tailored and relevant to the needs of the individual, based on a wide range of support options and addressing every aspect of a person’s life. Visit www.ben.org.uk. For further information, please contact: Leila Moss-KellyCommunications, Content & Impact Manager, Benleila.moss-kelly@ben.org.ukDirect dial: 01344 298 126 [1] https://www.who.int/health-topics/physical-activity#tab=tab_1

Performance combined with efficiency: the new A6 plug-in hybrid models

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. New e-hybrid quattro versions of A6 Saloon and Avant with total power output of 299PS (220kW) and up to 64 miles of electric range Increased efficiency and performance thanks to high-voltage battery with more capacity, smart recuperation strategy, and intelligent hybrid management Electrified S tronic, quattro ultra drive and all-wheel steering as standard Available with Sport, S line and Edition 1 specification options priced from £60,980 (OTR) UK sales begin in early June with first customer deliveries due in late Summer For additional information please visit https://press.audi.co.uk/en-gb/ Ingolstadt/Neckarsulm, May 6, 2025 – After completely redeveloping the A6 Saloon and Avant model lines using the most advanced combustion engine technology, Audi is now reinstating a plug-in hybrid version in each range that is similarly progressive. The new A6 Saloon and Avant e-hybrid quattro models build on the strengths of their TFSI e predecessors, and will be available in the UK with a 220 kW (299PS) drivetrain delivering plentiful performance and the potential for an impressive electric-only driving range of up to 64 miles. Both variants are set to go on sale in early June with Sport, S line and Edition 1 specification options priced from £60,980 (OTR), and customer deliveries will begin later this summer. The new Audi A6 Saloon and Avant e-hybrid quattro models are powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine with an output of 185 kW (252 PS) and an electric motor that delivers up to 105 kW. With a total system output of 220 kW (299PS) and 450 Nm of torque, UK specification versions can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 6.0 seconds and, where conditions allow, reach a top speed of 155mph. The heart of the plug-in-hybrid technology is the high-voltage battery, the capacity of which has been boosted to 25.9 kWh (net 20.7 kWh), a gain of around 45 percent compared with previous generations. This enhancement ensures that, depending on version, the Saloon can travel for up to 64 miles under electric power alone, and the Avant for up to 63 miles. Maximum AC charging power is now 11 kW, and if the battery is completely empty, a full recharge to 100 percent can take as little as 2.5 hours. Recuperation performance has also been improved. The degree of recuperation intensity in electric driving mode (EV ‑mode) can be adjusted to three different levels using paddles on the steering wheel. The new A6 e-hybrid runs on electric power for as long as possible to fully utilise the available battery charge to the driver’s destination. The vehicle recovers energy automatically when this function is activated. This is based on route data stored in the navigation system. The new A6 e-hybrid quattro can also recover energy automatically without active route guidance. The hybrid management system of the new models is designed to optimise efficiency, flexibility and driving comfort at all times, and it selects the operating strategy that best meets these objectives automatically. Two operating modes are available: “EV” and “hybrid.” In EV mode, the plug-in hybrid models run solely on electric power, while in hybrid mode, the hybrid management system maintains a specific charge level as needed in order to save enough electrical energy for later use. In addition to the automatic hybrid mode, the desired charge level can be individually selected using a digital slider. Combined with quattro ultra drive and standard all-wheel steering, the electrified dual-clutch transmission plays a major role in the dynamic driving experience: it boosts response at low speeds and provides even more stability at higher speeds. This enhances driving comfort, as do the redesigned window and door seals, which contribute to sound insulation improvements of up to 30 percent, making for even more pleasant in-car acoustics. The new A6 e-hybrid quattro models in detail All-wheel steering and quattro ultra drive as standardThe new A6 e-hybrid quattro models always feel responsive and agile, thanks in no small part to the electrified dual-clutch transmission working in conjunction with quattro ultra drive and all-wheel steering. Fitted as standard to all e-hybrid quattro variants, the all-wheel steering system boosts agility in city traffic and tight bends by turning the rear wheels up to five degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds of up to 37mph. At higher speeds the rear wheels turn in the same direction, facilitating precise handling and a high level of comfort. Comfortable in-car experience thanks to improved aeroacousticsImproved aerodynamics and overall vehicle acoustics help to deliver a driving experience in the new A6 e-hybrid quattro models that is as refined as it is responsive. Suppression of noise in the cabin has been improved by up to 30 percent compared with the previous model, thanks to detail enhancements such as more tightly sealed windows and optimised door seals. Newly developed engine and transmission mount bushings make for a smoother and quieter ride, and the shape of the transmission gear teeth has also been optimised in the interest of acoustics. Even the tyres fitted to wheels of 19 inches in diameter or above have been acoustically fine-tuned by special noise absorbers. Intelligent drive management for greater efficiencyThe hybrid management system of the new plug-in hybrids (PHEV) automatically selects the optimum operating strategy. The electric drive is provided by a permanently excited synchronous motor with a peak output of 105 kW. The electric motor is integrated into the housing of the seven-speed S tronic transmission. The full system torque of 450Nm is available even at close to idle speed – The power electronics (pulse inverter) used in these latest generation plug-in hybrid models are a new development. The pulse inverter is smaller, lighter, and more efficient, thus reducing electrical consumption. Consumption in hybrid mode is therefore also lower. Battery capacity and energy density significantly increasedAudi has boosted the capacity of the new high-voltage battery (HV battery) in the rear of the vehicles to 25.9 kWh (net 20.7 kWh), a gain of roughly 45 percent compared to the unit fitted to the outgoing A6…

Audi centralizes responsibilities in Formula 1 project

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Mattia Binotto becomes Head of Audi F1 Project and will be responsible for overall development while Jonathan Wheatley will lead the race operations as Team Principal Development of race car (chassis) and power unit for F1 debut in 2026 under central management Christian Foyer becomes COO at Audi Formula Racing GmbH Audi is aligning its Formula 1 project even more consistently with the synergies and working methods of a factory team. As Head of Audi F1 Project, Mattia Binotto will be responsible for development activities at the Hinwil and Neuburg an der Donau facilities, as well as at the future technical center in England. As a result, Audi is bringing its operational units within the Formula 1 project under unified management and is pushing ahead with even greater integration. With just under ten months to go before the debut in the pinnacle of motorsport, the close coordination of development activities is aimed at achieving seamless coordination between race car and powertrain. Under the overall leadership of Mattia Binotto, existing structures will be optimized and development speed further increased through higher efficiency. Christian Foyer has joined the management board of Audi Formula Racing GmbH (AFR), which is responsible for the F1 hybrid powertrain, on May 1, 2025. He will focus on operational processes in the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Born in Aachen (Germany) in 1977, the graduate engineer specializing in combustion engines has been working in operations and project management for various F1 teams and manufacturers for around 18 years. Foyer will take over operational responsibility for the areas previously managed by CEO Adam Baker, who is leaving the project by mutual agreement. “We would like to thank Adam Baker for his commitment over the past years. He played a decisive role in shaping the overall strategic concept for the entry of Audi into Formula 1 and got the development of the power unit in Neuburg off the ground,” says Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG. “With Christian Foyer, we are now bringing a proven expert in process structures in F1 powertrain development into the project. His experience will help ensure the synergistic cooperation and necessary speed on the journey we have embarked upon regarding the debut.” To streamline reporting lines, the previous CEO role will be eliminated as part of the reorganization. Stefan Dreyer will continue to head power unit development in Neuburg as CTO and will take on the new role of spokesperson for the AFR management board. Since the beginning of April, Jonathan Wheatley is Team Principal and Management Board Spokesperson at Sauber Motorsport AG. In close collaboration with Mattia Binotto, Wheatley is accompanying and shaping the transformation of the racing team. His focus is on managing the race operations of the future Audi F1 Team and representing Audi at the team principal level in Formula 1’s strategic forums. Press Contacts Communications Formula 1Benedikt StillSpokesperson Audi F1 ProjectPhone: +49 841 89-89615E-mail: benedikt.still@audi.de www.audi-mediacenter.com Communications Sauber Motorsport AGFlorian BüngenerChief Communications OfficerPhone: +41 76 321 09 86 E-mail: florian.buengener@sauber-group.com The Audi Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium and luxury segment. The brands Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Ducati produce at 21 locations in 12 countries. Audi and its partners are present in more than 100 markets worldwide. In 2024, the Audi Group delivered 1.7 million Audi vehicles, 10,643 Bentley vehicles, 10,687 Lamborghini vehicles, and 54,495 Ducati motorcycles to customers. In the 2024 fiscal year, Audi Group achieved a total revenue of €64.5 billion and an operating profit of €3.9 billion. As of December 31, more than 88,000 people worked for the Audi Group, more than 55,000 of them at AUDI AG in Germany. With its attractive brands and numerous new models, the group is systematically pursuing its path toward becoming a provider of sustainable, fully networked premium mobility. Audi will enter Formula 1 for the first time in 2026 with its own factory team and a hybrid drive system (“Power Unit”) developed in Germany. The future team is based at two locations: Audi Formula Racing GmbH, which was founded specifically for the project, is developing the Power Unit in Neuburg an der Donau. Hinwil in Switzerland will be home to the development of the racing car as well as the planning and operating of the races. In addition, there will be a technology center in the UK. Formula 1 is regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport and, with its global reach, is one of the most important sports platforms in the world. Another decisive factor for Audi’s entry is the new FIA regulations, which from 2026, will include sustainable fuels and increase the electric share of the hybrid drive unit to almost 50 percent.

SMMT statement on UK-India trade agreement

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Today’s signature of a UK-India FTA, the result of more than three years of complex negotiations, represents a historic first step in strengthening our already close automotive trade and investment ties and opening up mutual opportunities. While the agreement will likely feature compromises, and might not offer unfettered market access to all UK automotive goods, we appreciate the considerable effort British negotiators have devoted to secure the first partial liberalisation of the Indian automotive market. “We trust the deal will be fair and deliver on essential UK industry priorities, with major tariff reductions on most UK automotive exports, favourable origin requirements and a workable agreement on future bilateral trade of electrified vehicles.” About SMMT and the UK automotive industryThe Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations, representing the automotive industry in the UK. The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy, integral to growth, the delivery of net zero and the UK as a global trade hub. It contributes £93 billion turnover and £22 billion value added to the UK economy, and invests around £4 billion each year in R&D. With 198,000 people employed directly in manufacturing and some 813,000 across the wider automotive industry. Many of these automotive manufacturing jobs are outside London and the South-East, with wages that are around 13% higher than the UK average. The sector accounts for 13.9% of total UK exports of goods with more than 140 countries importing UK produced vehicles, generating £115 billion of trade in total automotive imports and exports. The UK manufactures almost every type of vehicle, from cars, to vans, taxis, trucks, buses and coaches, as well as specialist and off-highway vehicles, supported by more than 2,500 component providers and some of the world’s most skilled engineers. In addition, the sector has vibrant aftermarket and remanufacturing industries. The automotive industry also supports jobs in other key sectors – including advertising, chemicals, finance, logistics and steel. More detail on UK Automotive available in SMMT’s Motor Industry Facts publication at www.smmt.co.uk/reports/smmt-motor-industry-facts/ Broadcasters: SMMT has an ISDN studio and access to expert spokespeople, case studies and regional representatives. SMMT media contacts Paul Mauerhoff 07809 522181 pmauerhoff@smmt.co.uk James Boley 07927 668565 jboley@smmt.co.uk Scott Clarke 07912 799959 sclarke@smmt.co.uk Rebecca Gibbs 07708 480 889 rgibbs@smmt.co.uk Emma Butcher 07880 191825 ebutcher@smmt.co.uk Abigail Smythe 07708 480891 asmythe@smmt.co.uk