Audi and SAIC will unveil in November their first electric vehicle developed jointly

Audi and its Chinese partner SAIC are about to publicly unveil their first electric model resulting from the collaboration between the two companies. This launch is the result of a strategic alliance signed in May 2024, with the dual aim of introducing several electric models to the Chinese market and developing an advanced digitalised platform.

The first three models resulting from this collaboration will focus on the B and C segments, positioning themselves between the sizes of the Audi A4 and A6, targeting a young audience with a focus on innovative design and an advanced technological level.

The strategy of Audi and SAIC is not only aimed at complementing the current range of electric vehicles from Audi sold in the Chinese market, which includes the Q4 e-tron and the Q5 e-tron, but also at innovating in intelligent driving technology with the collaboration of the Chinese startup Momenta, and also in energy storage thanks to CATL. This new approach reflects an accommodation of the preferences of Chinese consumers, who are much more inclined to adopt new technologies and concepts.

Everything is ready for this new collaborative project to get underway

Production of this new electric model, which will debut next November, is planned to begin in the second half of 2025 at the SAIC-Volkswagen plant located in Anting, in Shanghai. This model promises to be a blend of attractive design and advanced functionality, aimed at a market segment that values innovation and technology.

The German manufacturer’s alliance with SAIC will not only accelerate the market launch of new models, reducing the lead time before the start of sales by more than 30 per cent, but is also a sign of the need for technical support due to delays in the group’s SSP platform. This move underlines the growing interdependence in the global automotive industry, where Western brands seek collaborations in the Chinese market in order to remain competitive there.

Finally, it is worth noting that the decision to use the word “Audi” instead of the traditional four-ring logo in this project could indicate a reimagining of the brand for this specific market, adapting to local trends and preferences. This step taken by the German manufacturer is intended not only to serve as a boost for the brand’s expansion in China, but also as a cultural and technological adaptation, showing how global brands are redefining their strategies to capture the dynamic Chinese electric vehicle market.