Audi announces major restructuring of China operations with brand split

Audi announced a major restructuring of its brands and joint ventures with SAIC and FAW in China. From this day forward, the Audi-SAIC partnership will produce the AUDI-branded (all-caps logo) vehicles, while the Audi-FAW joint venture will focus on the 4-ring logo brand.

But this isn't just a split between the brands. The Audi-FAW (4-ring logo) will split its portfolio across EVs and internal-combustion engine cars, while the Audi-SAIC factories will remain EV-exclusive.

Audi states that the current after-sales support and customer service will continue to operate as usual and did not clarify how sales will be handled after the transition period.

Audi and SAIC already have some AUDI models like the E5 Sportback from a year ago, and the E7X SUV, but newer models underpinned by the Advanced Digitized Platform 2.0 are also expected by 2028. The Audi-FAW joint venture, on the other hand, should spawn new A6L e-tron, Q6L e-tron models along with A5L and A6L.

The end goal of this dual-brand, dual-partner strategy restructuring is further to distinguish the portfolio between the two joint ventures and accelerate decision-making and improve responsiveness to the dynamic market conditions.

Via