# **Audi Updates Naming System Once More, While Porsche Broadens Engine Choices**
The automotive sector is experiencing challenging times, driven by evolving consumer preferences, economic hurdles, and the persistent shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). Two of Germany’s leading car manufacturers, Audi and Porsche, are making notable changes to their strategies to address these challenges. Audi is revising its vehicle naming schemes again, while Porsche is broadening its selection of internal combustion and hybrid vehicles to counteract a decline in EV sales.
## **Porsche’s Financial Challenges and Strategic Realignment**
Porsche recently unveiled its preliminary financial outcomes for the previous year, showing a mixed bag. Although the company remains in the black, its sales have suffered—especially in China, where they plummeted by 28%. Worldwide, Porsche’s total sales dipped by 3%, and its profit margins have slipped to just above 10%, considerably lower than its target of 18%.
To tackle this, Porsche is implementing “extensive measures” aimed at enhancing profitability. A major focus is on increasing investment in internal combustion engine (ICE) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), rather than concentrating exclusively on EVs. The firm intends to commit around **$830 million (800 million euros)** in 2025 to boost its non-EV offerings. This decision mirrors a wider trend in the industry, as manufacturers like General Motors and Ford have also recognized their miscalculation of market demand by favoring high-cost EVs over hybrids.
## **Audi’s Naming Dilemma: A Reversion to Previous Practices**
Audi, Porsche’s sibling brand under the Volkswagen Group, has also been reassessing its strategy. Last year, Audi unveiled a new vehicle platform known as **PPC (Premium Platform Combustion)** to complement its existing **PPE (Premium Platform Electric)**, demonstrating a sustained commitment to both combustion and electric powertrains.
Simultaneously, Audi sought to clarify its vehicle naming system by creating distinctions between internal combustion and electric models. According to this scheme:
– **Odd-numbered models (A3, A5, Q5, Q7, etc.)** were assigned to internal combustion or hybrid vehicles.
– **Even-numbered models (A4, A6, Q6, Q8, etc.)** were reserved for electric vehicles marketed as “e-tron.”
However, Audi has now abandoned this system, reverting to a more classic naming format. Going forward:
– **”A” models** will continue to represent low-floor vehicles (sedans, coupes, and wagons).
– **”Q” models** will indicate high-floor vehicles (SUVs and crossovers).
This implies that Audi will cease to differentiate its combustion and electric models based on odd and even numbering. For instance, an **internal combustion A6** is set to launch on **March 3**, despite the presence of an **electric A6 e-tron**.
## **Adjustments Across the Industry Regarding EV Realities**
The strategic changes from Audi and Porsche represent a larger trend within the industry. While EV adoption is growing, it has not escalated as swiftly as some automakers projected. High costs, challenges with charging infrastructure, and consumer reluctance have compelled many manufacturers to revise their strategies.
– **General Motors and Ford** have both admitted to overestimating the demand for premium-priced EVs and are now shifting their focus back to hybrids.
– **Toyota**, a long-time supporter of hybrid technology, continues to experience robust sales for its hybrid models.
– **Mercedes-Benz and BMW** are also finding a balance between their EV aspirations and ongoing investment in combustion and hybrid technologies.
## **Implications for Consumers**
For car shoppers, these modifications translate to increased options. While EVs remain a priority for manufacturers, the revival of internal combustion and hybrid models guarantees that consumers not yet ready to make the switch to electric vehicles will still have ample choices.
– **Porsche fans** can look forward to a wider assortment of high-performance combustion and hybrid models.
– **Audi customers** will no longer need to navigate a complicated naming system, as the brand reverts to a more recognizable structure.
– **Overall, the market is evolving** to meet real-world conditions, ensuring that both traditional and electrified vehicles remain in circulation.
## **Conclusion**
The automotive landscape is changing swiftly, and manufacturers must be adaptable to keep pace with evolving consumer preferences and economic circumstances. Porsche’s choice to invest further in combustion and hybrid vehicles, alongside Audi’s return to a streamlined naming system, underscores the industry’s ongoing recalibration. As 2025 nears, it will be intriguing to observe how these strategies unfold and if other manufacturers will follow suit in harmonizing their EV goals with market realities.
