On May 20, 2024, Audi signed a cooperation agreement with SAIC Group and SAIC Volkswagen to jointly develop a new platform focused on the Chinese market called the “Smart Digital Platform.” They will develop multiple luxury smart electric vehicles for SAIC Audi.
According to reports, Lingyu Technology will provide relevant automotive intelligent technology for the cooperation project. Lingyu Technology, a technology company under SAIC Group focusing on intelligent driving and intelligent cockpit, provides the “Lingyu Galaxy® full-stack technology solution” used in various pure electric intelligent models such as Zhiji and Feifan. Lingyu Technology CEO Li Jun stated: “The new car will be equipped with industry-leading software and hardware, electric performance, and a smoother, more user-friendly intelligent interactive experience.” The new model of the Advanced Digitized Platform will combine aesthetic design, craftsmanship, quattro driving fun from Audi, and intelligent pure electric technology from SAIC Group, delivering a new answer to “how to create luxury cars in the electric and intelligent era.” Based on the respective technological advantages, this collaboration will shorten the market launch cycle of Audi’s new products by over 30%, with the first model planned to be launched by 2025.
“Volkswagen Group is accelerating electrification in China, expanding local partnerships to meet market demand. Audi deepening cooperation with SAIC is a milestone in our China strategy. Audi’s electric vehicle product line leader, Song Feiming, will be the CEO of this joint project. Together, we will develop, procure, produce, and sell, leveraging each other’s strengths to shape the future of premium electric mobility in China.”
At the launch ceremony, Audi’s global CEO Gaudino said: “This deepened cooperation signifies another important milestone in Audi’s advancement of its China strategy and further strengthens its local partnership with SAIC Group. Our clear and common goal is to combine the essence of both sides, integrating Audi’s luxury heritage with SAIC’s local innovation speed to fully meet the needs of Chinese users. Through cooperation with SAIC Group, we will further accelerate the advancement of our electrification strategy in China. Audi’s iconic aesthetics and engineering design complement SAIC Group’s innovative potential, bringing intuitive, interconnected digital experiences and advanced autonomous driving functions to Chinese consumers.” SAIC Group empowers SAIC Audi in the intelligent era with intelligent cockpit and intelligent driving, accelerating Audi’s development in the high-end pure electric travel field.