Audi picking up speed in world's largest auto market by expanding portfolio of battery electric vehicles with SAIC

German premium auto manufacturer Audi has taken its collaboration with SAIC Motor and SAIC Volkswagen to the next level with the signing of a cooperation agreement, marking a milestone in its transformation in the world's largest auto market.

With the unique demands of tech-savvy Chinese customers in mind, Audi plans to develop tailor-made premium intelligent connected vehicles in partnership with SAIC, starting with three models in the B and C segments to quickly tap into the fast-growing electric vehicle market in China.

The new models will extend and complement Audi's current product portfolio, with the first model expected to hit the market in 2025.

The new models will be built on a new China-specific platform jointly developed by Audi and SAIC, known as the "Advanced Digitized Platform".

The new platform will feature advanced electronic architecture, support online upgrades and the rapid expansion of new functions based on user demands, along with modular components such as batteries, electric axles and chassis, to assist in the production of different wheelbase models.

Audi CEO Gernot Doellner said: "We have a clear and common goal; we will bring together the best of our two companies for the full benefit of our Chinese customers, combining Audi's premium experience and 'Vorsprung durch Technik' (progress through technology) with SAIC's innovation speed."

"Through the partnership with SAIC, we will significantly accelerate our local electrification strategy and deliver smart BEV products catering to Chinese customers' needs. Audi's unmistakable aesthetics and engineering together with the innovation speed of SAIC will offer Chinese customers intuitive and smart digital premium experiences, as well as automated driving features," he added.

A joint team, led by Fermin Soneira from Audi, has been set up to coordinate the development, purchase, production and sales of the new models. Soneira will report directly to Audi CEO Gernot Doellner, enhancing decision-making efficiency.

Soneira, who previously headed the product line for electric models from the A to C segment at Audi, brings 25 years of experience within Volkswagen Group, which owns brands from Audi to Porsche.

Soneira and his family moved to Shanghai about two months ago. He said that experts from Audi will collaborate with their Chinese partners both online and offline to create forward-looking intelligent connected electric mobility solutions.

Through new collaborative and streamlined development processes, this project will cut Audi's product time-to-market by more than 30 percent.

"With both parties contributing their core strengths, I believe Audi will continue to shape future premium electric mobility by leveraging 'China-speed' and the innovation strength of the market," Soneira said.

More than 30 years ago, Audi introduced cutting-edge automotive technologies and expertise to China, nurturing the development of the luxury car market in the country. It now has more than 8 million Chinese users.

In the new era, China's development of new energy vehicles surpasses that of any other country worldwide. Its booming auto industry leads the way in innovation and NEV growth, driven by Chinese consumers' higher demand for advanced digital connectivity features compared to other regions. This is why Audi has decided to deepen cooperation with SAIC to codevelop a new platform and new models, Soneira said.

Jia Jianxu, vice-president of SAIC Motor and general manager of SAIC Volkswagen, said that SAIC Motor acts as a bridge to integrate China's excellent supply chain and intelligent vehicle ecosystem with Audi. This partnership will inject new vitality into the brand's development in China.

In March, Audi made the global debut of the Audi Q6 e-tron, the first mass-produced model based on the Premium Platform Electric, followed by the Chinese version, the Audi Q6L e-tron, at the Beijing auto show in late April.

The Audi Q6L e-tron is set for production at the Audi FAW NEV Company production site — Audi's first production base in China dedicated to manufacturing market-specific BEV models — in Changchun, Jilin province, later this year.

Since the establishment of SAIC Audi three years ago, it has made strides in product development and channel expansion. It now operates more than 180 agent stores in more than 80 cities nationwide.