Tesla hires Audi veteran to lead production

By Lulu Chang Published May 15, 2016

tesla constant cellular tests autonomy model s p90d 1408 — Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

Tesla has set some pretty lofty goals for itself following the staggering demand of its Model 3 sedan, and now it’s bringing in the big guns to try to make things happen. Just weeks after announcing its goal of producing and delivering 500,000 cars in 2018, Elon Musk’s car company of the future announced that Peter Hochholdinger, a longtime veteran of Audi, would be joining Tesla as the VP of Vehicle Production.

In an emailed statement from Tesla, the team announced that the former Audi executive (who led the production for the A4, A5, and Q5 vehicles), would be “responsible for continuing to increase and improve Model S and Model X production,” and also help to establish “a scalable, cost-effective and quality manufacturing program specifically designed for Model 3.”

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For over two decades, Hochholdinger was a crucial asset to the German car company, and at the time of his departure, was responsible for the production of around 400,000 vehicles every year at Audi. He will take the place of Greg Reichow, who was previously in charge of producing both the Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles.

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While Hochholdinger undoubtedly joins Tesla at an exciting time and at a point of seemingly meteoric growth, he certainly has his work cut out for him. Not only has the Model X been plagued by delays and malfunctions (2,700 of the SUVs were recalled last month after a lengthy delay in their delivery date), but he also has to deal with the huge, and apparently unexpected, demand for the Model 3, which seems to be establishing itself as Tesla’s flagship vehicle.

Tesla noted in its statement announcing the news that the company “is excited to have Peter join the team,” though no start date has yet been specified.

So hold onto your hats, Tesla fans. This may just be the turning point the company needs to actually get your orders to your garage.

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