Carmaker Audi has unveiled plans to appoint 1,200 individuals to skilled roles during the coming 12 months.

The automotive giant intends to invest an estimated €11.6 billion during the period from 2011 to 2015.

Unveiling its largest investment program ever, the company revealed it is seeking to upgrade sites, including those in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm, as well as develop new products and technologies.

Thomas Sigi, Audi management board member for human resources, stated: "Innovation requires people.

"For this reason, we want to hire around 1,200 experts in 2011 who will primarily bolster our electromobility and lightweight construction fields of competence."

Based in Ingolstadt, Germany, Audi claims to have recruited around 500 experts and 780 trainee workers in 2010.

Those seeking manufacturing jobs in Europe may also be interested in data from Eurostat showing industrial production across the 27 EU member states rose by 0.3 per cent during October 2010 compared with the previous month.

Posted by Alex Donnell