Audi and SAIC to jointly build new BEVs on a China-specific platform

Audi is further intensifying its collaboration with SAIC and SAIC Volkswagen in a cooperation agreement. Audi and SAIC have decided to jointly develop new models built on a China-specific platform named ‘Advanced Digitized Platform’ for the next generations of premium intelligent, connected vehicles (ICV). Cooperation starts with three BEV models covering the B and C segments to quickly enter to the dynamic and fast-growing electric vehicle market in China.

The co-developed products will have Audi’s distinct DNA, with its clear design language, premium driving experience, highest standards of quality, and the latest EV technology, built using the Advanced Digitized Platform.

“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’s 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’s 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.