Audi, together with Volkswagen Automatic Transmission Tianjin (VWATJ), has inaugurated a new transmission plant today.

The plant, in the northern China harbour city of Tianjin, will supply highly efficient 7-speed S tronic transmissions for the new A4 L and other locally produced models.

Audi will produce 240,000 transmissions annually at the new facility and will have a work force of over 1,000 at full capacity. Thanks to the modular production set-up, the company can double the plant’s capacity in a later phase. “With our first local transmission plant, we have brought another key Audi competence to China,” said Joachim Wedler, president of Audi China. “The transmission production in Tianjin marks a milestone in our localisation strategy.”

The new 7-speed S tronic transmission from Tianjin will be used in models of the second-generation modular longitudinal platform (MLB). It combines sporty and comfortable driving with low fuel consumption. In combination with the 2.0 TFSI engine, the gearbox contributes to the class-leading efficiency and performance of the powertrain of the new A4 L. The new generation of the premium midsize sedan will be launched in China in September and features the lowest CO₂ emissions in its segment.

The Volkswagen Group has produced dual-clutch transmissions for models based on the modular transverse platform (MQB) since 2014. The start of production in Tianjin marks the completion of the second phase of Volkswagen ATJ. Audi AG (49 percent) and Volkswagen Group China (51 percent) are both shareholders of the company. “Volkswagen Automatic Transmission Tianjin creates synergies between the Group brands, further strengthening them. With efficient use of resources we live up to our promise of sustainability at every step along the way,” said Dr Jochem Heizmann, President of Volkswagen Group China.

Audi has been active in China since 1988 and has since led the country’s premium segment. Its FAW‑Volkswagen joint venture produces the A6 L, A4 L, Q5 and Q3 in Changchun in northern China. The joint venture plant in Foshan in the south of China produces the A3 Sportback and the A3 Sedan.