Audi and SAIC to Launch 4 New Models Under New China Brand

Audi has announced it will expand its partnership with Chinese state-owned automaker SAIC, with four new models to be launched in China under their jointly owned brand in the coming years. The German premium carmaker also said the two companies would work together to establish an innovation and technology centre in Shanghai, news agency Reuters has reported.

The move is part of a broader effort by German manufacturers to strengthen their development and production presence in China as they face declining sales and intensifying competition from domestic electric vehicle brands.

Audi and SAIC launched their joint brand in 2024, adopting the Audi name but dropping the company's well-known four-ring logo. 

Their first model under the venture, the E5 Sportback, reached the market last year and has so far sold around 10,000 vehicles. The car accounted for the bulk of Audi's electric vehicle sales in China during the first quarter and is central to the company's efforts to attract younger buyers in the world's largest car market.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Audi India opened its second showroom in Hyderabad under the Progressive Showroom Concept and taken its sales and service network in the country to 67 touchpoints. 

The luxury automaker also added Audi Approved: plus and service facility at Gachibowli. The site has space for display of pre-owned cars and 14 service bays for maintenance and body work. Audi India said technicians at the workshop use company-approved diagnostic tools and equipment.