The Audi Summit – which was to be held in Brussels on August 30, 2018 – has been indefinitely postponed. As a result of this, the scheduled launch of the Audi e-tron electric SUV has also been postponed. The brand’s first electric SUV was initially due to be revealed at the event at Audi's Brussels facility, where it is planned to be built.
This news comes in the wake of the Audi CEO Rupert Stadler being arrested, a week ago on allegations of fraud and false advertising.
“Organisational issues” have been blamed for the postponement of the summit. This implies that the e-tron reveal is likely to be delayed and could take place at the rescheduled summit; which will now be held in the US – although the date and location have not yet been officially announced.
The e-tron is set to go up against a fleet of premium mid-sized electric SUVs like the Jaguar I-Pace, the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes-Benz EQC.
Previously, the e-tron was expected to be the second amongst these to reach the European market. This delay could now reduce the breathing space between the launch of the e-tron and the EQC and iX3 – both of which are due to be unveiled in 2020.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
