Audi exhibits use of sustainable materials in e-tron GT quattro

Once again, Audi was represented as the 'Headline Partner' at Design Shanghai – one of the world's most prestigious international design events, this week at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre. 

At this design fair, Audi showcased its focus on forward-looking, sustainable solutions. The automaker demonstrated the use of recycled materials in the Audi e-tron GT quattro as well as in Stella McCartney's innovative products. 

"The theme of this year's design fair – 'Regenerative design comes to China' – was an excellent fit for Audi," said Henrik Wenders, head of Audi Brand. "Audi is known for its outstanding design and is passionately committed to sustainability. With the Audi e-tron GT quattro, we are presenting this combination at its very best."

"We are delighted to be at Design Shanghai this year in cooperation with Stella McCartney, providing an insight in a walk-in installation of how both the fashion and the automotive business think and live in a sustainable way," he added.

For this year, the Audi stand at the fair was dedicated to the topic of sustainability and depicted parallels between the fashion and the automobile business. 

With Stella McCartney, Audi has gained a strong partner. The fashion designer is the industry leader in her use of innovative materials with low impact to the environment, just as the Four Rings do. 

Stella McCartney Falabella Go bag made from Econyl, a material consisting of 100% recycled nylon fibres, was on display at the event. The fibres come from production waste, remains of fabrics and carpets, or from old fishing nets.

Audi employed the same material on an e-tron GT quattro that was displayed on the stand as well. Its carpet and floor mats were made using Econyl. Sustainable materials were also used elsewhere in the interior of the Gran Turismo. 

In the optional leather-free design package, for example, the covers of the sports seats are a combination of artificial leather with the textile Kaskade or a blend of artificial leather with Dinamica, a micro-fibre material. 

In both cases, these covers consist mainly of materials such as polyester fibres; made from recycled PET bottles, textiles, or scraps of fibres. 

These activities at Design Shanghai demonstrate the transformation of Audi into a provider of sustainable premium mobility. 

With the Audi e-tron GT models and different versions of the Audi Q4 e-tron, the number of electric models will be doubled from three to seven in 2021. By 2025, the company plans to have more than 20 fully electric models and further expand its PHEV portfolio.