The brand has said it plans to invest around €11.6 billion between 2011 and 2015 in fixed assets.

The funds will be invested primarily in new products and technologies, as well as in upgrading its sites. More than €5 billion is earmarked for the German sites in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm.

'With this investment, we are laying the foundation for sustained, profitable growth, and supporting our claim to leadership in the premium car segment,' said Axel Strotbek, board member for Finance and Organization of Audi AG.

Around 80% of all investment – more than € 9.5 billion – will be used to develop new products and future technologies such as electric and hybrid drive systems. The brand has announced that it will launch its first full hybrid this year, the Audi Q5 Hybrid, which will accompany other new model launches, such as the A6 and the new Audi Q3, which marks Audi's entry in to the midsize premium SUV segment.

The company is also to invest over €5 billion in its German sites in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm between 2011 and 2015. 'In addition to our foreign sites, the German sites will also profit greatly from the Audi brand’s good worldwide prospects for growth, especially in China,' Mr Strotbek said.