AUDI AG has started production in Curitiba in the Brazilian federal state of Parana. The latest of 13 sites in the Audi production network is the first in South America.

“We see great potential in the Brazilian market. Our goal there is to maintain our leading position in the premium segment over the long term,” stated Bernd Martens, Board of Management member for Procurement at AUDI AG. “On our global growth path, we will also utilize the potential of high added value in Brazil. So as well as the Audi A3 Sedan, we will soon also produce the Audi Q3 in Curitiba, and will procure as many components as possible locally.”

The Audi A3 Sedan 1.4 TFSI Flex produced in Curitiba is the first Audi model with a flex fuel engine. These engines can operate on gasoline, ethanol or both fuels at the same time. Brazil is the world’s biggest market for flex fuel engines. More than 90 percent of cars newly registered are fitted with this technology. Audi will deliver to customers the first A3 models with the 1.4 TFSI flex fuel engine in November 2015, according to the automaker.

Audi is continuing along its path of international expansion with the plant in Brazil. And, in 2016, the brand will open an Audi plant in San José Chiapa, Mexico.