Through a cooperation agreement, Audi has increased the level of its cooperation with SAIC and SAIC Volkswagen. For the next generation of premium intelligent, connected vehicles (ICV), Audi and SAIC have chosen to work together to jointly create new models built on a platform called the “Advanced Digitised Platform” that is peculiar to China. The partnership begins with three BEV models that cater to the B and C sectors in order to swiftly join China’s vibrant and rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry.
The co-developed products will have the newest EV technology, constructed utilising the Advanced Digitised Platform, Audi’s distinctive DNA, premium driving experience, and highest levels of quality.
“The deepened cooperation marks a significant milestone in Audi’s China strategy and further strengthens our local partnership with SAIC. We have a clear and common goal: to combine the best of our two companies to the full advantage of our Chinese customers with Audi’s premium experience and SAIC’s innovation speed in China,” said Audi AG CEO Gernot Dollner.
“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.”
“The Volkswagen Group is accelerating its electric campaign with the consistent implementation of its ‘in China for China’ approach. In this respect, we are relying in particular on the strong cooperation with our joint venture partners,” said Ralf Brandstatter, Member of the Group Board of Management for the China region. “We quickly expand our existing portfolio on the global platforms with additional China-exclusive models to win new customers and efficiently leverage market opportunities. The extended partnership of Audi and SAIC is the next important milestone in our strategy.”
Wang Xiaoqiu, President of SAIC Motor, said: “With Audi strong premium product definition, full vehicle R&D and engineering capabilities, and SAIC Motor’s industry-leading innovative electric technologies, the two parties will ‘technologically empower’ SAIC Audi to make a head start and capture new opportunities in the current competitive environment.”
The cooperation will further expand Audi BEV portfolio in China and accelerate Audi’s transformation in the world’s biggest automotive market, which is also the fastest-growing EV market. The first three BEV models will cover the B and C segments. Audi says this collaboration model enables it to significantly reduce time-to-market by more than 30% with the first model to enter the market in 2025.
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