Audi will launch 10 new PHEVs this year as part of its strategy to keep its powertrain offerings diverse while the market for battery-electric cars remains slow.
A shift in plans at Volkswagen is emblematic of the disarray within the auto and auto-parts industries as the sector tries to anticipate the fallout from new U.S. tariffs.
Audi CEO Gernot Doellner said he expects a decision on localizing production in North America, which could include using existing VW factories as well as a new site, this year.
Physical safeguards, new battery chemistry and improved software can help make dangerous fires even more rare.
The automaker will get its first SDV to market one year ahead of schedule as a result of gaining access to the U.S. EV maker's technology.