An artist's impression of the Audi China Building, a research and development center in Beijing. CHINA DAILY
German carmaker Audi is speeding its shift toward electrification in China as part of its goal to shape premium sustainable mobility in the country.
One of the latest efforts was at the fifth China International Import Expo, which wrapped up on Nov 10 in Shanghai.
Highlights of Audi's presence at the expo were two models that showed its vision of electric transformation. One is the RS e-tron GT, the brand's first pure electric sports model, and the first Roadjet model the Q5 e-tron.
"This year's motto 'Progressive Spirit Empowers Sustainable Mobility' perfectly showcases our commitment to the green development and transformation of the automotive industry in China," said Audi China President Juergen Unser.
He said the RS e-tron GT will be imported into China in December, and the Q5 e-tron is one of two electric models the carmaker is producing locally, with the other being the Q4 e-tron.
Audi is implementing its Vorsprung 2030 China Strategy. Unveiled in April, it charts the course for the German carmaker to excel in the new era.
The carmaker is scaling up its lineup of new energy vehicles and building a dedicated ecosystem that goes well beyond the car to create a pleasant journey for its customers in China.
"We, as a most reliable partner, will continue to invest in China, deepen our local production and R&D, and help achieve a zero-carbon future, creating a successful new chapter in our more than 30-year history in the Chinese market," Unser said.
By the end of 2022, Audi will offer six pure electric models in China, taking its electric offensive to a new level in the world's largest market for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
The company is working to provide a dedicated network of charging solutions called Audi Charging Stations for its electric car owners. The 360-kilowatt stations can offer fast charging service that slash the waiting time of Audi owners.
"In the era of electric mobility, the customers need more than premium vehicles. They need a sound ecosystem that centers on premium charging services," said Unser.
The first Audi Charging Station is set up in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. The company is building such stations in other cities, with some to become available by the end of this year in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen in Guangdong province.
"We will provide a premium charging experience to our customers based on advanced technology, consistent retail design and a convenient process," said Stefan Poetzl, head of sales and marketing of Audi China.
Audi is also implementing fast charging solutions with the public charging services providers, including CAMS, where Audi partners together with Volkswagen Group China.
CAMS has built 912 super charging stations and more than 8,200 charging points covering 135 cities in China as of October. The figure is expected to reach nearly 20,000 by 2025.
The company is forging ahead with energy-efficient and green production in China, its largest market, as part of its global Mission: Zero environmental program.
In June, the Audi FAW NEV Company, the first all-electric Audi production site in China, laid its cornerstone in Changchun, capital of Jilin province, where Audi has been producing models for the Chinese market in the FAW-Volkswagen plants for decades.
With a total investment of 2.6 billion euros ($2.69 billion), the Audi FAW NEV Company is the first joint venture with a majority interest held by Audi in China, a key milestone in Audi's deepening localization in China.
Unser called it an important part of the German carmaker's new growth strategy in China.
"In the years to come, we want to put an even stronger emphasis on China. The goal of our new strategy is to make Audi in China even more Chinese," he said.
Audi said the production facility will implement its Mission: Zero strategy and set new standards in digitization, efficiency and sustainability.
After its completion, the plant will produce a new generation of intelligent electric models based on the Premium Platform Electric or PPE it codeveloped with Porsche, another premium brand in the Volkswagen Group.
These advanced cars will be tailor-made for Chinese customers with a longer range and a faster charging speed, more advanced driving assistance systems and a modern electronics architecture.
Audi said they will play a key role in the ongoing electrification of Audi's model range for the Chinese market.
The carmaker is also building its local innovation capabilities, which it says are crucial to its electrification campaign in the country.
"Strengthening local R&D is one of two major pillars of the Vorsprung 2030 China Strategy," said Unser.
One example is the Audi China R&D Center. Founded in 2012, it is the carmaker's largest and only center outside Germany with full-range R&D capabilities from vehicle design to vehicle completion. More than 90 percent of its staff are Chinese.
Now, Audi is further strengthening its development capabilities in China with a new home for its R&D team in Beijing. Opening nearly 10 years after its predecessor, the new Audi China Building marks a significant milestone in Audi's presence in China.
As part of its technology road map for China, the Audi China R&D team will put a strong focus on smart cockpits and brand-shaping user interfaces, connectivity services, Audi-specific features of new electronic architectures as well as advanced driver assistance systems, all in close alignment with Audi's headquarters in Germany.
The carmaker is also working with CARIAD, a software subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, to develop new electronic architectures and advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving systems, to better serve the Chinese market's future demand for intelligent electric vehicles.
"In China, Audi has a clear product and technology road map. Audi will unswervingly remain rooted in the Chinese market, actively contributing to the innovative development of the Chinese automobile industry, and leading the future of sustainable mobility," the carmaker said.
lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn