Audi has used Vorsprung durch Technik -- German for advancement through technology -- as its slogan since the 1970s. But signs are growing that the Volkswagen Group subsidiary is losing sight of its own advice.Spending on r&d by the 81-year-old brand, VW Group's profit engine, last year was far below the amount spent by both BMW and Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler.
While BMW trumpets its new i series for electric cars and Mercedes wins positive reviews for its new CLA and GLA ranges of sporty compact models, Audi risks looking like a laggard in an industry where innovation is a major draw for customers.
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