Audi to produce 12 models in China for local market

Audi will sell 12 models produced in China, for the Chinese market, by the end of this year – with the first products from its collaboration with partner SAIC Volkswagen to be launched in 2022.

The German automaker has outlined more on its approach to selling, and producing, its vehicles in the country as it pushes towards complete electrification.

By 2030, Audi expects China’s market for premium vehicles will grow to 4.5 million units annually – up from 3.1 million in 2020 – with the number of electric vehicles sold locally predicted to rise from 10 per cent to 40 per cent by the same year.

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The firm has been manufacturing cars in the country for more than 30 years at the joint headquarters of FAW and Volkswagen in Changchun, as well as at other locations.

The new models will be sold through the existing dealer network operated by FAW-Volkswagen Audi.

"Our approach here is based on the idea of 'In China for China,' and as such, Audi is focusing on the specific needs of customers in the world's largest automotive market and actively driving innovation," said Werner Eichhorn, president of Audi China.

"Together with our two partners FAW and SAIC, we are well prepared for the challenges of the future."

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Werner Eichhorn, President of Audi China

To date, Audi has shipped a total of more than seven million vehicles built in China, selling 727,358 vehicles in the country in 2020 alone. In the first half of 2021, this figure stood at 418,749 vehicles.

Additionally, the marque has confirmed production of its final internal combustion engine will end in 2033, putting a firm date on its plans to transition to ‘e-mobility'.

Earlier this year, Audi announced it was working on its last ever internal combustion engine, with plans for production to start in four years time and the brand to introduce only fully-electric models by 2026.

The company said however, it expects to see continued demand in China beyond 2033, which is why there could be a supply of vehicles there with combustion engines manufactured locally.

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Audi CEO Markus Duesmann

As part of its "Vorsprung 2030" strategy, which it has been working on for the last few months, Audi will also expand its after-sales offering to include intelligent hardware.

Key to its future development will be a an increasing focus on vehicle software and autonomous driving.

"'Vorsprung durch Technik' [meaning progress through technology] remains necessary because we can only solve many of the world's major problems, such as carbon emissions and global warming, through the use of clean technologies,” said CEO Markus Duesmann.

“We view ourselves as a company that guarantees the freedom and individual mobility of our customers. That is why Audi is focusing on zero-emission drive systems.

"We don't simply develop technology for its own sake. It must be consequential and effective in keeping the world moving."