Audi and SAIC Motor have deepened their strategic cooperation by establishing the Audi Innovation Technology Center (AITC) in Shanghai.

On September 3, the AUDI Innovation & Technology Center (AITC) was officially inaugurated in Shanghai. As a new joint venture established by AUDI AG and SAIC Motor, AITC is a dedicated R&D entity designed specifically for the AUDI brand, equipped with full‑vehicle development capabilities and end-to-end expertise. Headquartered in Shanghai, this move underscores AUDI’s long-term commitment to deepening its presence in the Chinese market and marks a strategic step toward further strengthening the brand’s product portfolio in China.

The Audi Innovation Technology Center is a key cornerstone of Audi’s dual‑brand strategy in China. Following the successful launch of the AUDI brand and its first two models—the Audi E5 Sportback and the Audi E7X—Audi has further deepened its collaboration with SAIC Motor, elevating the vision of “shared success” to new heights. By combining Audi’s century‑long expertise in precision engineering, SAIC’s cutting‑edge local innovation capabilities, and the strengths of China’s supply chain along with its profound market insights, this partnership reinforces Audi’s unwavering strategic focus on the Chinese market.

Fred Schulze, CEO of the Audi–SAIC strategic partnership and Chairman of the Board of the Audi Innovation Technology Center, stated: “This marks a historic milestone in the development of the AUDI brand. The new Audi Innovation Technology Center will serve as the driving force behind innovation for our next‑generation products. As we advance the development of the Audi ADP 2.0 intelligent digital platform, we are crafting an entirely new product DNA tailored to the Chinese market.”

Dr. Johannes Roscheck, President of Audi China, stated: “The Audi Innovation Technology Center (AITC) underscores Audi’s long-term commitment to the Chinese market. By combining the rigorous excellence of Audi’s German engineering with local market‑driven innovation, we are developing customer‑centric, high‑end mobility solutions. Our ongoing strengthening of our R&D footprint will further enhance Audi’s core competitiveness in China and fully highlight the distinctive Audi brand DNA.”
Zu Sijie, Vice President and Chief Engineer of SAIC Group, stated: “The Audi Innovation Technology Center marks another significant milestone in the deepening strategic partnership between SAIC and Audi. Grounded in the local market yet with a global outlook, we will leverage new thinking, innovative models, and cutting-edge technologies to inject powerful momentum into the AUDI brand and set a new benchmark for intelligent, luxury electric vehicles.” Looking ahead to the future of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) and AI-Defined Vehicles (AIDV), the Audi Innovation Technology Center will focus on R&D in intelligent electrification and full‑vehicle development. Its core R&D priorities will encompass overall vehicle performance and driving dynamics, as well as an immersive AI‑powered smart cockpit tailored specifically for China’s high‑end vehicle customers, alongside next‑generation advanced driver‑assistance systems.
Audi and SAIC will jointly develop four all-new AUDI models based on an exclusive architecture designed for future intelligent, connected vehicles—the Audi ADP 2.0 Advanced Digitized Platform. This new product lineup will expand and complement AUDI’s existing portfolio in China, with the first model slated to launch in 2028.

To coordinate and advance this new business initiative, Audi has appointed Matthias Pfister as General Manager of the Audi Innovation Technology Center, while SAIC has named Shan Yunwei as Deputy General Manager. With extensive leadership experience in both German and Chinese automotive R&D environments, Pfister previously served as Head of the Pre‑Production Batch Center at SAIC Volkswagen, gaining deep insights into local R&D dynamics. He will assume full responsibility for the center’s operational strategy, R&D integration, and business development. Together, the two companies will lead a team of approximately 300 top-tier professionals to co‑create the next generation of AI‑driven luxury mobility experiences. Pfister stated: “The Audi Innovation Technology Center enables us to bring together local and international experts, delivering fast, reliable, and innovative high‑end technological solutions for our products, and truly embodying our brand philosophy of ‘Beauty in Diversity.’”
The establishment of Audi’s Innovation Technology Center is another testament to the close collaboration between AUDI AG and SAIC Motor. By combining Germany’s precision engineering expertise with China’s rapid pace of innovation, the new joint venture will further advance intelligent mobility solutions tailored to Chinese consumers.

Reposted from Sina Auto

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