Audi and SAIC Motor announced the creation of a Shanghai-based innovation hub dedicated to the China-only AUDI brand, the companies said in a joint statement on Thursday. The newly formed venture will concentrate on a suite of vehicle technologies and digital experiences intended for premium Chinese customers.
The hub's stated technology priorities include vehicle and driving-control systems, AI-powered immersive smart cockpits, and next-generation advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Each of these focus areas is described as being developed specifically for the premium segment of the Chinese market.
Audi and SAIC will collaborate on developing four new AUDI models built on the Audi ADP 2.0 platform. Audi describes ADP 2.0 as a dedicated architecture for next-generation intelligent connected vehicles. The companies said these four models will broaden AUDI's product offering in China, and the first of the new vehicles is scheduled to arrive in 2028.
The announcement did not include details about the ownership split of the Shanghai joint venture. Nor did the companies provide further specifics on model specifications, production volumes, or operational arrangements for the hub.
Context and scope
The hub is positioned as a development center for vehicle control technologies and cockpit experiences that leverage artificial intelligence. While the partners have outlined the high-level technical domains that will be pursued - driving controls, immersive cockpits and advanced driver assistance - finer details about the content and timelines for those programs beyond the first vehicle launch date were not disclosed.
Timeline and product roadmap
The companies stated that four AUDI models will be developed on the ADP 2.0 platform and that the initial model is planned for release in 2028. No additional milestones or intermediate delivery dates were provided in the announcement.
Key implications
- Automotive: The collaboration will expand AUDI's China product lineup via four ADP 2.0-based models.
- Technology: The hub's focus on AI-driven cockpits and ADAS highlights investment in vehicle software and systems integration.
- Market: The effort targets premium Chinese consumers, indicating a tailored approach to this market segment.
What remains unclear
- The ownership structure of the joint venture has not been revealed by Audi or SAIC.
- Details on model specifications, development milestones aside from the 2028 launch, and deployment plans for the stated technologies were not provided.