Audi’s participation at Auto Guangzhou 2024 highlights the brand’s strong commitment to expanding its presence in China, its largest market and a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) transformation. This year, Audi, alongside its long-time partners FAW and SAIC, is unveiling three exclusive vehicles tailored to Chinese consumers. Notable debuts include the Q6L e-tron, Audi’s first locally produced electric model based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which emphasizes China-specific features and a lengthened wheelbase for enhanced comfort. The A5L, replacing the A4L and adhering to Audi’s revised international naming conventions, showcases improvements in both design and user experience, aligning with preferences of local consumers. Additionally, the SAIC collaboration brings forward the AUDI E concept, a forward-thinking, technology-integrated Sportback that previews upcoming production models and highlights SAIC’s role in shaping Audi’s digital and EV prowess.
The strategic introduction of these models underscores Audi’s dual-partner approach with FAW and SAIC, aimed at bolstering its competitive edge in the Chinese premium market. CEO Gernot Döllner emphasized the importance of this market as pivotal to Audi’s global strategy, noting that the new offerings are part of a larger product initiative to reinforce their leadership in innovation and luxury. The AUDI E concept, in particular, merges Audi’s traditional engineering strengths with SAIC’s digital expertise, appealing to modern, tech-focused Chinese consumers. This approach reflects a robust alignment with Audi’s “Vorsprung durch Technik” (Advancement through Technology) ethos and showcases the brand’s adaptability and commitment to market-specific developments.