Audi says a tough economic climate weighed on the group’s financial performance in the first nine months of 2026, with market conditions growing markedly harder and more competitive from the third quarter onwards. In response, the Ingolstadt-based maker is pushing ahead with measures to cut costs and complexity and raise efficiency. Its model offensive continues alongside, with order books for the new Q9 opening in November and the electric A2 e-tron reaching European customers in December.

Tougher conditions since the summer

Audi has described the first nine months of the year as challenging. According to the company, the wider economic environment hit the Audi Group’s financial results over the period, and competition in its markets has become noticeably fiercer, particularly since the third quarter.

The announcement does not include specific figures for revenue, operating profit, margins or deliveries. It is a short statement about the direction the company is taking rather than a detailed set of results.

Where Audi is focusing its response

The manufacturer says it is consistently implementing targeted measures to make itself more competitive. These fall under three headings:

  • Investment priorities: money is being directed towards what Audi calls future areas.
  • Costs and complexity: both are being reduced further.
  • Efficiency: Audi says it is raising efficiency significantly at all of its sites.

The release does not say which future areas will receive the investment, what savings Audi is targeting, or whether jobs or production volumes at particular plants will be affected.

New models still on the way

Audi says it is pressing ahead with renewing its line-up despite the pressure on its finances. Two launches are coming up before the end of the year.

The Audi Q9 is a new model series that will sit at the top of the brand’s range. Order books open in November. The press image shows a US-specification Q9 SUV TDI quattro rated at 220 kW. For this version, Audi quotes combined WLTP fuel consumption of 8.0–7.4 l/100 km and combined CO₂ emissions of 209–194 g/km, which puts it in CO₂ class G.

The all-electric Audi A2 e-tron is a compact model that goes on sale in Europe in December. Audi quotes combined WLTP power consumption of 15.7–12.8 kWh/100 km, zero local CO₂ emissions and CO₂ class A.

What it means

Audi is in the same position as many established premium makers. It has to manage a weaker financial backdrop while paying for a broad model renewal that spans both combustion and electric cars. The two launches cover opposite ends of the range: a new flagship SUV at the top and a compact EV at the entry point. Customers can order the Q9 from November, and the A2 e-tron reaches European markets in December.

Facts: Audi Q9 and A2 e-tron

  • Audi Q9 SUV TDI quattro (shown): 220 kW
  • Q9 fuel consumption (combined, WLTP): 8.0–7.4 l/100 km
  • Q9 CO₂ emissions (combined): 209–194 g/km, CO₂ class G
  • Q9 availability: order books open in November 2026
  • A2 e-tron power consumption (combined, WLTP): 15.7–12.8 kWh/100 km
  • A2 e-tron CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km, CO₂ class A
  • A2 e-tron availability: European market launch in December 2026

Source: www.audi.com