With 2015 coming to a close, Audi->ke14 has unveiled some of its plans for 2016, which will bring at least two brand-new vehicles into dealerships. As expected, next year will mark the unveiling of the second-generation Q5, a vehicle we've already spotted testing in the wild. Audi also confirmed it will launch the Q2 in 2016. Slated to slot beneath the Q3->ke2666 in the company's lineup, the Q2->ke4350 will become Audi's fourth crossover.->ke288

Ingolstadt is also busy working on its first mass-produced electric vehicle,->ke1030 which will arrive in 2018 and will be based on the e-tron Quattro concept. Unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show,->ke235 the e-tron Quattro is a low-slung SUV->ke145 that uses three electric motors which are good for up to 496 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. If the production model remains true to the concept, Audi will roll out a competitor for the Tesla Model X.->ke4202

Additionally, Audi announced it will expand its model range to include 60 different automobiles by 2020. This plan is far from new, but the statement confirms that the Germans are still looking to expand.

As far as investments go, Audi plans to spend more than €3 billion in 2016. That figure includes development of new technologies, new personnel, and updating its facilities around the world. Audi will also recruit additional experts in the field of future technologies such as alternative drive systems, lightweight construction, and IT specialists.

“With the current investment program, we obviously want to enhance the brand’s strong position, but at the same time, we aim to achieve additional financial scope by means of further process and cost optimization,” said Audi CFO Axel Strotbek.

On the flipside, the Board of Management has decided to postpone the construction of a new wind tunnel for one year.

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Why it matters

Audi's expansion plans aren't exactly new. The Germans revealed that they intend to increase the number of vehicles in their lineup to 60 by 2020, and it's no longer a mystery that Audi dealerships will soon have twice as many crossovers on offer. What matters here is that this announcement confirms everything is going according to plan and that Audi is now closer to achieving its goals. More importantly, Ingolstadt is finally ready to deliver a mass-produced electric vehicle in addition to the e-tron versions of the A3 and the brand-new Q7 and R8.

Audi Q2

Read our full review on the Audi Q2 here.

Audi Q5

Read our full review on the Audi Q5 here.