by Deepening cooperation with SAIC
The AUDI brand from Audi has been going through tough times lately, but the company still believes in its Chinese project. This becomes evident today as the automaker deepens its cooperation with SAIC and prepares to launch a whole series of new models.
Brand development plan
Recall that the brand was introduced in 2025 with the E5 Sportback model. The E7X crossover will debut at the Auto China show this month, and a third model is planned for 2027. Little is known about the latter yet, but company representatives previously hinted it could be a sports sedan.
Also read: Chinese Audi brand cuts prices and loses sales, so it’s building a sports sedan
Other cars will follow, as the latest agreement between Audi and SAIC “focuses on the full value creation chain for future AUDI models, including research and development, for which a dedicated AUDI Innovation and Technology Center will be established in Shanghai.” It will be led by Audi and will be responsible for “developing China-specific intelligent electric vehicle technologies and developing holistic vehicles across the smart connected car value chain.”
Technological prospects
The companies did not reveal many details but stated that customers can expect “AI-equipped, exciting smart cabins,” as well as advanced driver assistance systems developed specifically for Chinese consumers.
Many questions remain, but the partnership will spawn four new AUDI models in the coming years. However, it is unclear whether this number includes the car arriving in 2027. Regardless, future models will be based on the new-generation Advanced Digitized Platform. Brand representatives added that the cars “will expand and complement the existing Audi portfolio.”
Strategic goals in China
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner stated: “Audi’s ambition is to remain a strong player in China in the era of intelligent connected cars. Our partnership with SAIC and our AUDI electric vehicle brand have been key, allowing us to connect with new customer groups and expand our product offerings to match their evolving needs. After the successful launch of AUDI and its first model, we are ready to take the next step: create a specialized Innovation and Technology Center in cooperation with our long-standing, reliable partner SAIC to advance the principle of Vorsprung in China.”
Audi’s decision to invest in expanding the AUDI brand and creating a new technology center in Shanghai demonstrates the company’s long-term bet on the Chinese market, despite initial difficulties. The focus on developing China-specific technologies, such as smart cabins and driver assistance systems, could be key to attracting local consumers, whose expectations for electric vehicles often differ from European ones. The success of this strategy will depend on how quickly the new models can find their audience and improve sales figures, which so far remain low.
