Audi's Beijing R&D center to oversee operations for Asia region

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai February 1) - Audi's Beijing research and development center is to begin overseeing R&D work for the whole of Asia this month, auto.qq.com reported, citing a statement made by Audi China earlier this week. The center, which is Audi's largest outside of its native Germany, will eventually support the manufacturer's operations across several countries and regions in Asia.

The center, which is located in Beijing's famous 798 Art Zone, will help boost Audi's various localization and development operations across the region. It currently employs over 100 staff. The center was originally limited to the Chinese market. According to Audi China President Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, the center looks set to become one of Audi's most important R&D facilities worldwide.

Audi has announced its goal to sell 700,000 vehicles in 2015. The manufacturer also plans to introduce its entire 42 model product line up to China by that time. China is now Audi's largest market, with its 2015 sales volume iexpected to be over double that of its second largest market, Germany. The manufacturer will bring over ten new models to the country by the end of this year.