Audi collaborates with the Chinese automaker SAIC Motor to co- develop EVs

• Published On: 4 August 2023
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On July 27, Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor and German automaker Audi signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to co-develop electrified vehicles. The collaboration aims to create 'intelligent' and 'connected' electric vehicles by combining their individual capabilities and engineering solutions. According to the MoU, the partnership will enable Audi to expedite the development of new EVs and meet the demand for China's fast increasing EV industry. The goal is to quickly and efficiently bring the next generation of intelligent EVs to market.

SAIC Motor of China and Audi of Germany have joined together to create electrified automobiles. On July 27, 2023, the automakers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in which they agreed to "leverage their respective advantages and strengths to speed up Audi's development of new electric vehicles."The move is being made in response to Chinese customers' desire for premium linked electric vehicles.”

SAIC Motor will also employ its own technologies to produce new vehicles with Audi in the future as part of the cooperation. SAIC is the country's largest carmaker and one of the major companies in China's electric mobility sector. In 2014, the manufacturer unveiled its development strategy for electrification, intelligent networking, sharing, and globalization.

As now SAIC Motor joins with Audi, if and when the collaboration between the two firms is successful, SAIC Motor and Audi will actively expand the "depth and breadth of the partnership" to introduce the manufacturers' future of EVs - Electric vehicle new market category. The models will be developed collaboratively, which will assist cut turnaround times while allowing either player to join new market areas.

Not just Audi, but Volkswagen has also collaborated with Chinese players to expand their respective footprint in the country's rapidly expanding electric mobility sector. While Audi has worked with SAIC Motor, Volkswagen has formed a strategic deal with XPENG, a prominent manufacturer of intelligent vehicles in China, to create two new mid-size EVs. The new EVs are likely to join the Chinese market before the end of the year.

Volkswagen and Audi are both members of the Volkswagen Group, and the latest collaborations aim to localize development and production capabilities in China for the market. The collaborations will not only assist the brands accelerate development timelines for the next generation of new EVs, but will also help the brands understand the wants and demands of Chinese customers.