Audi's R&D budget from 2015 to 2019 = Rs. 186,000 Crore

Audi AG is all set to further expand the biggest investment program in its history. From 2015 through 2019, the Ingolstadt-based company plans to invest €24 billion, which is €2 billion more than in the previous planning period. The Volkswagen owned luxury car maker will invest the amount in developing new models, production sites and technologies.

A large contributing factor to the capital boost is the need for technologies to reduce CO2 emissions. Global emission norms have forced car makers to develop more efficient vehicles & Audi says around 70% of the investment will be used to create more fuel efficient diesel and petrol vehicles along with plug-in hybrids. "We are making large investments in the innovative areas of electric mobility, connectivity and lightweight construction,” stated Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management (CEO) of Audi AG.

With a large chunk of the investment flowing into the brand's plants in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm, Audi will also expand its workforce. According to the official release, Audi has recruited approximately 3,000 new employees in Germany alone over the past year.