I first did the Audi factory tour at Ingolstadt a few years ago, and was impressed. This week I did it again and the tour is even better - after a 10 minute slide-show setting the scene, there is a short bus ride to the "new" Audi A3 building, which they explain cost €240 million.
You are escorted by a guide, in a group of about 30, and can view the aluminium body parts being electro-welded by the latest generation of robots. This takes about an hour, then another bus ride takes you back to the older part of the site to see the engine, interiors, windows, wheels, etc. being fitted. All models of the A3 are produced on this line, with 3-door and 5-door versions in any required sequence. On the shift I saw, they were scheduled to make about 310 vehicles, of which 19 were 3-door, 220 were 5-door, 9 were electric, and the rest due by the end of the shift.
The complete tour takes 2 hours; the English language factory-tour starts at 11:30 am (Monday to Friday), book in advance by phoning Audi Forum +49 (0) 841 - 8 93 75 75, to get a Factory Tour Reservation Number, and pay €7 per person when you check-in 15 minutes before the scheduled tour. You probably walk about 3 miles altogether.
If anyone wants details of travel from Munich to Audi Forum at Ingolstadt by train and bus, with times and prices, do let me know. Check the Audi Forum website for details of factory closures, bank holidays, etc. See www.audi.com/aola/brand/en_lc/experience/audi_forum_ingolstadt.html
The friend who came with me is a BMW owner, and even he was impressed!
You are escorted by a guide, in a group of about 30, and can view the aluminium body parts being electro-welded by the latest generation of robots. This takes about an hour, then another bus ride takes you back to the older part of the site to see the engine, interiors, windows, wheels, etc. being fitted. All models of the A3 are produced on this line, with 3-door and 5-door versions in any required sequence. On the shift I saw, they were scheduled to make about 310 vehicles, of which 19 were 3-door, 220 were 5-door, 9 were electric, and the rest due by the end of the shift.
The complete tour takes 2 hours; the English language factory-tour starts at 11:30 am (Monday to Friday), book in advance by phoning Audi Forum +49 (0) 841 - 8 93 75 75, to get a Factory Tour Reservation Number, and pay €7 per person when you check-in 15 minutes before the scheduled tour. You probably walk about 3 miles altogether.
If anyone wants details of travel from Munich to Audi Forum at Ingolstadt by train and bus, with times and prices, do let me know. Check the Audi Forum website for details of factory closures, bank holidays, etc. See www.audi.com/aola/brand/en_lc/experience/audi_forum_ingolstadt.html
The friend who came with me is a BMW owner, and even he was impressed!