Audi and SAIC sign agreement to deepen collaboration

Audi and SAIC have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to deepen collaboration, with the focus on the full value chain for AUDI's future models (encompassing R&D), with a dedicated Innovation & Technology Centre.

AUDI, by the way, is Audi's China-only brand. If this is news to you, this previous article should provide enough context. If not, read on.

The Audi E7X is set to make its debut at the Auto China 2026

At the centre of the agreement is the new AUDI Innovation & Technology Centre in Shanghai. The entity, led by AUDI AG, will focus on the development of China-specific, intelligent electrification technologies and whole-vehicle development across the entire value chain of intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs).

At the forefront will be AI-powered, immersive smart cabins and advanced driver assistance systems engineered specifically for China's premium users.

Both partners will jointly launch four all-new AUDI models on the next generation of the Advanced Digitised Platform (ADP) - an architecture engineered for tomorrow's intelligent connected vehicles. The new lineup will extend and complement Audi's existing portfolio.

This product initiative builds on the momentum of the E5 Sportback and the AUDI E7X, set for its debut at Auto China 2026.