Volkswagen Group Malaysia announced that its Pekan plant in Pahang has begun assembling the Audi Q7 S Line Mild Hybrid (MHEV). This makes the model the first locally-assembled Audi SUV, and the first in the Southeast Asian region.
In case you’re not aware, the assembly plant is also the birthplace for multiple Volkswagen vehicles including the Touareg, Golf R, Golf GTI, Tiguan Allspace, and Arteon R-Line. The plant is operated together with DRB-Hicom as the contract manufacturing partner.
“This manufacturing plant and its transformation with a modernised and updated product portfolio is really a centre of excellence. Customers will continue to experience the same Audi quality, performance and luxury – now made in Malaysia,” said Dr Susanne Lehmann, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia.
Moving forward, Audi plans to assemble more of its vehicles locally with a targeted production rate of 5,000 cars a year. Audi also shared that they’ve invested RM12 million to make it happen. It’s also to align itself with the government’s plans to make Malaysia a production hub.
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In Malaysia, the Audi Q7 S Line Mild Hybrid (MHEV) is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 producing 340 hp and 500 Nm. The engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Power is sent to all four wheels via the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The Q7’s 0 to 100 km/h time is 5.6 seconds.
The flagship Audi SUV is priced between RM469,000 to RM489,000 with features such as four-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system.
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