Audi constructs new electric vehicles specifically for China.
Audi and Chinese car company SAIC are teaming up to release an electric car on the Chinese market in the coming year. This venture is aimed at helping Audi regain their share of the market. Additionally, the partnership should enable faster production of new models.
Audi and their long-term partner SAIC announced their plans to introduce their first co-developed car, aimed at complementing the existing Audi range. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner highlighted the collaboration's importance, stating, "With the partnership with SAIC, we'll significantly speed up our electric strategy in China."
The companies plan to design the vehicles in collaboration, with China-specific platforms. They'll contain traditional Audi elements, while SAIC will contribute its expertise in electric cars. SAIC's Wang Xiaoqiu confirmed SAIC's involvement in the project, noting their electric car capabilities. The project will be spearheaded by Fermin Soneira, who previously led Audi's smaller electric car business.
Recently, Audi lost ground in China's electric car market partly due to fewer models compared to other competitors. However, with this cooperation, Audi aims to change that. Ralf Brandstädter, VW China CEO, specified that they will expand the existing portfolio based on global platforms with vehicles specifically developed for the Chinese market. He added, "This broadened partnership between Audi and SAIC marks a key milestone in our strategy."
Additional VW-China partnerships
Audi hopes to achieve quicker development times through collaboration, expecting to bring new cars to market up to 30% faster than before. To start, they're targeting models in the B and C segments, or smaller vehicles. Audi recently showcased the long-wheelbase version of the Q6 e-tron mid-size SUV at the Beijing Motor Show.
Both Audi and Volkswagen underestimated the rapid growth of electric mobility in China and are now seeking to catch up. Additionally, Volkswagen has entered a partnership with Chinese car manufacturer Xpeng. Xpeng will produce the first two mid-size vehicles in 2026.
The partnership between SAIC and Audi signals a shift in the market towards electric vehicles, with both companies striving to stay competitive. This move showcases the advancements Chinese companies and major automakers are making in the industry, as pressure for greener, more efficient transportation increases worldwide.
In the upcoming year, these companies will introduce their jointly developed electric car in China. The goal is to regain market share and ensure faster production of new models, placing them at the forefront of the rapidly evolving electric car market. With the growing popularity of electric mobility in China, it's evident that those who adapt and innovate are set to thrive.
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Audi's electric car collaboration with SAIC will see them producing vehicles in China, utilizing SAIC's expertise in electric vehicles. Despite losing ground in China's electric car market, Audi aims to regain market share by introducing their co-developed electric cars.
Source: www.ntv.de
