Audi unveiled at the 2023 Guangzhou Auto Show, firmly promoting the electrification process in China.
On November 17th, 2023 Guangzhou Auto Show was grandly opened. Audi joined hands with two major partners, China FAW and SAIC, to bring 21 heavy-duty models, showing its firm commitment to the China market and consumers in China. Among them, the Audi Q6 e-tron prototype, the next generation of high-end intelligent networked electric vehicle products, was unveiled at this auto show, highlighting Audi’s accelerated electrification transformation and moving towards the high-end travel leader of intelligent interconnection.
"We are very happy to participate in the Guangzhou Auto Show with two major partners again, which is an important stage to show Audi’s successful development in China and reshape its vision of high-end travel in the future." Dr. Jürgen Unser, President of Audi China, said, "We revealed the interior of the Audi Q6 e-tron prototype to the audience in China for the first time at the Guangzhou Auto Show, which fully demonstrated the important position of the China market in the process of Audi electrification."
The next key milestone of Audi’s electrification transformation in China is the first production model Audi Q6 e-tron based on PPE luxury pure electric platform and brand-new electronic architecture, which will be the leader of Audi’s new generation of high-end intelligent networked electric vehicle products. The new model adopts an innovative design paradigm from the inside out, and the interior space is designed around the needs of users, integrating digital technology, perceptual aesthetics and sustainable concept. In the future, the localized mass-produced Audi Q6 e-tron will also be equipped with innovative configurations developed for the China market.
Audi FAW New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd., which is responsible for producing models based on PPE platform, is not only Audi’s first pure electric vehicle production base in China, but also one of Audi’s most advanced production bases in the world. It will set an industry benchmark in digitalization and sustainability, and play an important role in promoting Audi’s electrification strategic layout in China and even the world. At present, the project is progressing steadily in Changchun. It is estimated that the base construction and equipment installation will be completed by the end of 2023, and it will be officially put into production by the end of 2024. Audi’s investment in this project is about 2.6 billion euros.
In addition, Audi has accumulated a long brand history, constantly deducing and innovating with classics, and inheriting Audi’s innovative DNA. At this Guangzhou Auto Show, Audi and SAIC unveiled the special edition of Audi Q6 RS for the first time, and together with Giovane Elber, a former Bayern star, showed the special painted edition of Audi Q5 e-tron "Bayern Munich", which once again strengthened the sports genes of Sihuan brand. Driven by the enterprising spirit, Audi will continue to work closely with SAIC to build more high-end intelligent networking products in China and China to meet the needs of more customer groups and market segments.
The appearance of the special painted version of Audi Q5 e-tron "Bayern Munich" at the auto show also confirmed Audi’s close attention and strong support for regional, national and international sports events in the past decades. In 2002, Audi announced a strategic cooperation with Bayern Munich Football Club, and now the two sides are promoting the continuous upgrading of cooperation in the fields of innovation and electrification. In 2022, in order to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the cooperation between the two parties, Audi delivered the Audi e-tron Sportback 55 quattro, a pure electric vehicle, to Bayern as its official vehicle in China, marking another important milestone in the strategic cooperation between the two parties.
With the continuous deepening of the dual partner strategy, Audi is further strengthening its leading position in the luxury car market in China. Katy Tsang, executive vice president of sales and marketing of Audi in China, said: "By continuously expanding cooperation with two local partners, Audi is committed to providing China users with a full range of high-end customer journeys, covering three dimensions: high-end products, high-end ecosystems and high-end customer experience."
In terms of products, Audi is working with China FAW and SAIC to create a new generation of high-end intelligent networked vehicles for China consumers, so as to fully meet diversified local needs. The new model will be equipped with innovative functions such as digital interaction exclusive to China market. At the same time, Audi is integrating its pure electric vehicles into the digital ecosystem, which has 5.6 million users as of September this year. Audi brand’s exclusive high-power charging station is the key component of this high-end ecosystem. Through the Audi multimedia interactive system MMI and Audi App, all Audi pure electric vehicle owners can enjoy the super-fast and seamless continuous energy experience at the Audi charging station and appreciate the charm of electric travel. As of October this year, Audi charging station has covered 26 cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and plans to deploy about 600 ultra-fast charging piles during the year.
Throughout the high-end customer journey, Audi is also working with two partners to create innovative customer contacts and sales models, which will jointly bring a refreshing brand experience to China consumers. In terms of FAW Audi, by September this year, 472 4S dealer stores had been upgraded by applying the latest design language of Audi global brands, and eight new Audi CBD exhibition halls had been opened. SAIC-Audi has opened a total of 150 Audi city stores and Audi City in 78 cities across the country, attracting younger users.
Adhering to the firm commitment to the China market and clear vision of future development, Audi is actively promoting the electrification process and reshaping the high-end travel future of "in China, for China". To this end, Audi will continue to create a win-win situation with local partners, constantly bring surprises to customers in China, and empower the high-quality development of China’s automobile industry. (Photo: provided by Audi)