“This very constructive agreement is a strategic milestone for Audi’s business in China,” says Dietmar Voggenreiter, Board member for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. “It paves the way for our two partner strategy and will allow us to further strengthen our commitment to China. Together with strong partners, we will shape the future of premium mobility in China by further extending our local product and service portfolio, ensuring an attractive business for all parties.”
Based on the 10-year growth plan of AUDI AG, FAW Group and FAW-Volkswagen, Audi will extend its portfolio of locally produced and imported models in China. The brand will continuously deliver highly attractive premium cars, future technologies and top service to customers in China. The cooperation in the field of electric mobility will be strongly expanded, thus driving forward the development of competencies in key technologies within the joint venture. In the next five years, the Audi brand at FAW-Volkswagen will bring five new e-tron models to market. To advance localization, the collaboration in the field of tool making will be enhanced.
The agreement between the Audi stakeholders and the dealer representatives incorporates the interests of the existing sales network into the new two-pillar strategy of Audi in China. All parties reached a mutual understanding that Audi models from a potential partnership between Audi and SAIC Motor would be sold through the brand’s existing dealer network in China. In accordance with legal requirements, a new sales steering structure will be defined for the unified distribution of Audi products from two partners.
Audi and Volkswagen Group’s long-held partner SAIC are in the process of evaluating a partnership for the production and distribution of Audi models and establishing data and mobility services. The aim of the strategic course is to develop the China business profitably for all parties involved. In addition to an extended product portfolio, the two-pillar strategy would provide the existing dealer network with vast synergies for their excellent after-sales infrastructure.
For Audi, China is a leading market for key areas of the future such as autonomous driving, digitization and e-mobility. As a long-time partner of the Chinese automotive industry, AUDI AG remains firmly committed to play an active role in the further development of the country’s car sector. As the pioneer of China’s premium market, the Audi brand continues to stand for outstanding products and customer service on a global premium scale.