China brand AUDI opens new Shanghai development centre
Audi and its Chinese partner SAIC have opened an innovation and technology center in Shanghai for their joint AUDI brand. Initially, four new vehicle models are to be developed there, with a focus on driving dynamics and handling, AI-powered smart cockpits, and driver assistance systems.
Audi and SAIC are driving forward the expansion of their fledgling China brand, AUDI (in uppercase and without rings). So far, there are only two models: the battery-electric estate car AUDI E5 Sportback, introduced in November 2024, and the battery-electric SUV AUDI E7X, presented in December 2025. In April of this year, Audi and SAIC then agreed to expand their cooperation for AUDI with a new development centre and four new models based on a new advanced platform.
The partners have now opened this development centre under the name AUDI Innovation & Technology Center (AITC) in Shanghai. A team of up to around 300 employees will work there, among other things, on the next generation of the Advanced Digitised Platform (ADP), which will underpin the announced four new models.
“This is a historic milestone for the AUDI brand,” said Fred Schulze, CEO of the cooperation between Audi and SAIC and Chairman of the AITC Board. “The new AITC will become the innovation driver for our next generation of products. With the ADP 2.0 now in development, we are creating new product DNA tailored for this market.”
Exploring new ways of thinking
Zu Sijie, Vice President and Chief Engineer of SAIC Motor, emphasised that the cooperation aims to set new benchmarks for intelligent premium battery-electric vehicles. “Rooted in China and embracing a global vision, we are committed to injecting strong innovative momentum into the AUDI brand with new thinking, new models and new technologies,” said Zu.
Audi China CEO Johannes Roscheck said the centre’s establishment underscores the company’s long-term commitment to China: “We are bringing together Audi’s German engineering precision with local market innovation to deliver customer-centric premium mobility solutions. Our strengthened R&D footprint will further elevate our competitiveness with distinctive Audi DNA in China.”
Before AUDI launches its four new models based on the new ADP 2.0 from 2028, a third model based on the first version of the ADP is set to debut in 2027. The ADP, in turn, is considered an evolution of the electric platform of SAIC’s premium brand IM Motors.