Following a decision to erect its first North American, automotive assembly plant in Mexico earlier this year, and after looking at and evaluating a dozen or so locations in the country, Audi announced today that it has chosen San José Chiapa, in the State of Puebla in Central Mexico as the site for its factory.

The Audi Board of Management and the Group Management of Volkswagen made the decision with the automaker stating that the new plant marks a major milestone in the growth required in its “Strategy 2020” plan, which calls for two million sales per year, including 200,000 in the United States, up from 117,000 in 2011.

“The production site in San José Chiapa meets various key requirements of our global growth strategy and we can step up our activities in American markets,” said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG.

Among the many factors that Audi took under consideration when choosing San José Chiapa, are central location, good logistics links and proximity to highly reputable universities and colleges of advanced technology

“When deciding on a new site, it is important that we can find well-qualified employees there,” explained Audi Board Member for Human Resources and Labor Director Thomas Sigi.

“Internationally recognized schools for the children of employees sent on assignment to Mexico are also crucial. Quality of life, healthcare provision and the security of our employees are other major factors,” he added.

Audi said that construction work on the plant buildings will start in mid-2013 and will be completed by early 2016. The automaker revealed that it plans to build the successor to its current Q5 SUV at the Mexican plant, with an annual output of 150,000 units starting from 2016.

PHOTO GALLERY

: 2013 AUDI SQ5