Audi to double locally-produced models in China next five years

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Audi will double its locally-produced models in China to 12 in the next five years, Joachim Wedler, Audi China's general manager, said to Chinese media. Besides, he also revealed that the new energy model co-developed by Audi and Porsche will soon be introduced in China.

In addition, until 2022, Audi will own 7 locally-produced SUV models in China among which four models are BEVs (battery electric vehicle).

Mr. Wedler added that Rupert Stadler, the existing global CEO of Audi brand, will not only take charge of Audi's businesses worldwide, but also is responsible for the sales businesses of Volkswagen's newly-built luxury-car unit and Volkswagen group.

Although the SAIC-VW program is steadily progressing under Audi's strategy, Audi still focus on some long- periodic businesses like making product layouts with its Chinese partners SAIC Motor and FAW Group, according to Wedler. Besides, he showed that Audi has no concrete timetable about the SAIC-VW program.

In November 2016, SAIC-VW and Audi officially signed a cooperation agreement to build a joint sales company and let SAIC-VW manufacture Audi's locally-produced models in China.

The German luxury vehicle brand will highlight the sale of high-end products, enrichment of locally-produced model portfolios, business expansion in mobility area and the SAIC-VW program. Mr. Wedler revealed that the all-new Audi Q8 will make its world debut in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. In addition, Audi China intends to develop its mobility businesses in China with help of its Chinese partners. For instance, Audi and FAW Group signed a memorandum of understanding in March this year to set up a new company for mobility and digital services.