Audi and its Chinese partner SAIC plan to co-develop a new platform for intelligent and electric vehicles in China. This follows VW’s partnership deal in China, highlighting the intense competition faced by European car manufacturers in the rapidly changing EV market, especially in China, the world’s largest auto market.

Audi and SAIC are collaborating to develop models based on a new architecture known as the Advanced Digitized Platform. The platform is expected to help Audi reduce “time-to-market” by over 30 percent. The first of three electric vehicle models based on this platform is scheduled for release in 2025.

The recent announcement provides further details regarding the expanded cooperation plans between Audi and SAIC, initially disclosed by VW in July. VW had revealed its intention to acquire a 4.99 percent stake in Xpeng for approximately $700 million, in addition to joint plans to introduce two VW-branded EV models by 2026.

Audi has significantly trailed behind Tesla and other Chinese competitors in EV sales amidst an extended price war in the EV sector.

The production of the first EV based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture developed by Audi’s headquarters is anticipated to commence in China from 2025 at the earliest, through its joint venture with FAW.

Audi has significantly lagged behind Tesla and other Chinese competitors in EV sales amidst a prolonged price war in the sector. Notably, the Audi Q6L E-tron in China is expected to feature Huawei’s advanced driving assistance system.