Audi China and the brand's joint venture FAW-Volkswagen has signed tripartite Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent. The partners will deepen their cooperation in the areas of data analysis, internet-vehicle platform building, and urban intelligent transport.
In cooperation with Alibaba, Audi has integrated real time traffic data into the Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI) and has become the first premium manufacturer in China to offer high-resolution 3D maps.
Starting from 2017, Audi will launch Baidu CarLife in its local model lineup, for seamless transfer of Baidu's popular app services between the customers' digital devices and their cars.
With Tencent, Audi is currently developing the integration of WeChat MyCar services into Audi models. The first features to be implemented will be location and music sharing. WeChat is Asia's leading communication services app with over 700 million active users.
The signing of the MOUs took place on 11th September during the Audi Brand Summit in Shanghai. Audi is hosting media representatives as well as employees, dealers, customers, and fans of the brand at the event, which runs from 7th to 27th September.
Audi is showcasing its e-tron technology and connect features with the Audi A6 L e-tron - the brand's first locally produced plug-in hybrid model. The new Audi A4 L, which includes the new mobile communications standard LTE advanced, will also be available in China.
