Audi will boost German output further on U.S. demand

BERLIN (Reuters) -- Audi will further expand production at its two German factories in March, citing stable demand for luxury vehicles especially from the United States.

The Volkswagen-owned division will add a total of 12 special production shifts at its main factory in Ingolstadt and at a plant in Neckarsulm to process orders for vehicles such as the A6 sedan, A7 coupe and Q5 SUV, spokesman Joachim Cordshagen said.

Audi is discussing the possibility of adding more shifts at the two German factories in the second quarter, he said, declining to be more specific.

Audi is the main contributor to VW group profit. The premium brand has been running extra shifts in Germany since the start of the year.

The measures may boost first-quarter output by about 5,000 autos in Ingolstadt and 2,600 vehicles in Neckarsulm, Cordshagen said on Tuesday.