On December 10, 2024, SAIC Volkswagen celebrated its 40th anniversary. The company held the “Together Outstanding, Start a New Chapter” event at its factory in Anting, Shanghai. Representatives from the Shanghai and Jiading district governments, industry associations, shareholders, suppliers, dealers, users, and media attended. They reflected on 40 years of cooperation between SAIC and Volkswagen. Together, they launched a new journey for SAIC Volkswagen.
SAIC Group Party Secretary and Chairman Wang Xiaoqiu stated at the ceremony, “Over the past forty years, under the care and support of leaders from China and Germany, SAIC Group and Volkswagen have cooperated closely. We achieved great results. This partnership not only strengthened SAIC Volkswagen but also boosted the development of China’s auto parts industry. It laid a solid foundation for China’s automotive supply chain. SAIC Volkswagen has always been a benchmark for joint ventures in China’s auto industry. In its forty years, it has created a success story of mutual benefit between multinational companies and the Chinese market. This partnership has fostered comprehensive exchanges in economy, technology, and culture between China and Germany. As we reach this new starting point for our fortieth anniversary, SAIC and Volkswagen renew our agreement. We will continue to work closely together, expanding the breadth and depth of our cooperation. We will support SAIC Volkswagen’s development and assist the joint venture in its ‘second entrepreneurship’ in electrification and intelligence. I believe SAIC Volkswagen will unleash vibrant energy in this new arena.”
Volkswagen Group Chairman Obermu stated, “Customer first, innovation, and forward strategy are key to the success of our partnership with SAIC Group. For forty years, SAIC Volkswagen has become a vital pillar of China’s automotive industry. We have driven the rapid development of China’s mobility industry together. Our products have earned the trust of millions of customers. China is Volkswagen Group’s second home. We will remain committed to China and implement a strong strategic plan with entrepreneurial spirit. We aim for the ‘2030 goal’ and will uphold the ‘In China, for China’ strategy as we lead in the era of smart connected vehicles. The renewal of our joint venture with SAIC Volkswagen and our robust product blueprint mark important milestones towards this goal. Our new generation of smart electric vehicles will combine cutting-edge technology and excellent quality, fully meeting the needs of Chinese customers.” SAIC Volkswagen’s 40-Year Journey and Achievements In October 1984, Chinese and German leaders signed the SAIC Volkswagen joint venture contract at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. SAIC Volkswagen became one of China’s first car joint ventures, marking the beginning of automotive cooperation in China. Over the past forty years, SAIC Volkswagen has participated in and promoted the development of China’s modern automotive industry from scratch to strength. SAIC Volkswagen cars have entered countless homes, becoming trusted companions for users.
At the 40th anniversary exhibition, we glimpse SAIC Volkswagen’s development path. The black Santana stands at the center. It was the first model under the “Shanghai Volkswagen” brand and a key joint venture car in China’s auto industry. “Introduce a model, transform an industry.” The Santana laid a solid foundation for localizing production and creating internationally standard parts. It has sold well for decades, serving as both a business vehicle and a private car. The Santana carries the collective memory of generations and serves as a unique calling card for SAIC Volkswagen. After the Santana’s success, SAIC Volkswagen accelerated new product launches. The model lineup expanded significantly. The Volkswagen brand introduced the Passat, Polo, Lavida, Tiguan, Lamando, Teramont, and ID series. The Skoda brand launched the Octavia, Superb, and Kodiaq series. The Audi brand released the A7L, Q6, and Q5 e-tron.
SAIC Volkswagen did not stop at the glory of fuel vehicles. With the arrival of the new energy era, it invested over 17 billion yuan in 2018 to build the MEB factory. This factory is China’s first modern plant dedicated to electric vehicle production. In 2020, it launched the ID.4X, the first domestic model from the ID family. With star models and solid main models, SAIC Volkswagen continuously innovates while maintaining brand heritage. Since its establishment in 1984, SAIC Volkswagen has produced over 28 million vehicles. In 2023, the company reported total revenue of 140.2 billion yuan. In Jiading, the automotive industrial output exceeded 350 billion yuan, with SAIC Volkswagen contributing half of the local GDP and 40% of employment and taxes. It accounts for over 30% of Shanghai’s total automotive output value.
SAIC Volkswagen invites 28 million car owners to “come home.” Lucky owners visit the birthplace of their cars. The event coincides with the 40th anniversary delivery month. Exclusive delivery ceremonies take place at SAIC Volkswagen’s 4S stores and city stores nationwide. SAIC Volkswagen and partners excel together for 40 years. They co-create with China’s modern auto industry and integrate with high-quality development. For 40 years, SAIC Volkswagen collaborates with partners. They embed the idea that “quality is the life of SAIC Volkswagen” into every product and service. This approach enhances products and services, making users and partners stand out. Every SAIC Volkswagen employee also shines brighter. Over 40 years, SAIC Volkswagen achieves success with local parts suppliers. They build the ecosystem of China’s auto industry together. Currently, nearly 90% of suppliers rank among the top 100 global auto parts companies. SAIC Volkswagen also strengthens its customer service system. As lifestyles and retail evolve, SAIC Volkswagen accelerates the expansion of a new marketing and service ecosystem. They connect various direct channels with offline outlets, creating a seamless experience for users.
The designer and engineer interview videos at the event explained the design concepts and strict quality control systems behind each vehicle. Supplier and dealer interview videos shared their 40-year journey with SAIC Volkswagen. They highlighted the importance of high quality and high standards for industry norms and sustainable development. SAIC Volkswagen embarks on a new journey for its 40th anniversary. This event marks the start of a new chapter in joint ventures. On November 26, SAIC Group and Volkswagen Group signed an agreement in Shanghai to extend their partnership for 55 years, until 2040. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepen strategic cooperation, focusing on advanced technology to empower the joint venture. They announced the transition from “technology introduction” to “technology co-creation,” marking a new phase in joint venture cooperation in China’s automotive industry. SAIC Volkswagen’s future development plan is now clearer and stronger.
In the next two to three years, SAIC Volkswagen will launch several products based on a new hybrid platform and a pure electric platform. These vehicles will feature an intelligent onboard system. They will include an efficient and safe new three-electric system and city NOA functionality. The newly designed interface will offer a fresh interactive experience. An AI language model will enhance the smart cockpit, focusing on scene integration. This will provide users with a more natural, intuitive, and personalized experience.
Audi’s new luxury electric brand, AUDI, will launch its first model in 2025. The new car will use an intelligent digital platform developed with SAIC Group. This platform offers high versatility and flexibility. It is designed for mid-size and large smart electric vehicles. The design suits SUVs and dynamic low chassis models. AUDI will establish an upgraded production base in Anting. Starting in 2026, two compact electric vehicles based on a CMP platform tailored for the Chinese market will enter the market. Three plug-in hybrid models and two range-extended models will follow. By 2030, SAIC Volkswagen will release 18 new models, with 15 specifically developed for China. In this new phase of SAIC Volkswagen’s partnership, localization will deepen.
SAIC Volkswagen’s 40 years mark the ups and downs of China’s auto industry. They reflect the strong friendship between China and Germany in the automotive sector. They also showcase the collaborative efforts to build a better era. Moving forward, SAIC Volkswagen will embrace the smart electric era. They will continue to write a new chapter of “making Volkswagen more outstanding.”