Audi launches alternative fueled model, competing BWM and Benz

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai August 10) - Audi has launched its first alternative fueled vehicle A3e-tron in Beijing recently. As a late comer in the alternative fueled vehicle industry, Audi will continue to introduce more alternative fueled models including A6Le-tron, Q5e-tron and Q7e-tron into China via domestic production.

The classic three luxury vehicle rivals Audi, BMW and Benz now form a new competition pattern in the alternative fueled vehicle market as the traditional gas vehicles market lose steam in growth. The three automakers will implement big strategy in the struggle both in the initially introduced models and the later coming productions.

Currently, Audi has launched the e-tron series of models based on the existing models. BMW made a big movement by launching a new subsidiary brand named BMW i which will focus on alternative fueled vehicles in particular. Yet, Benz’s strategy seemed weird in some way as the company chose to cooperate with a Chines company BYD. A new alternative energy vehicle brand invested by BYD and Ben’s parent company Daimler has been launched in China.

Audi’s two A3e-tron models are set at the selling price of 399,800 and 407,800 CNY, while the similar models of BMW i of pure electric and plug-in will be sold at the price of 449,800 and 516,800 CNY. Benz’s initial alternative energy vehicles share a similar selling price of 369,000 and 399,000 CNY. These models will all be sold at a relatively high selling price, which on the other hand discourages some interested buyers.

Although the alternative energy vehicle market is experiencing soaring growth, the industry is also faced with many problems including low fuel efficiency, limited mileage per charge and charging problems.