Audi and SAIC Motor have deepened their partnership in China with the official launch of the AUDI Innovation & Technology Center (AITC) in Shanghai, a new joint venture dedicated to developing next-generation electric vehicles for the Chinese market. The centre, established on September 3, brings together Audi's German engineering heritage with SAIC's local innovation capabilities and China's supply chain strengths, according to Sina Auto.
Joint development of four new models
The AITC will oversee development of four new AUDI-branded models based on the Audi ADP 2.0 intelligent digital platform, a dedicated architecture for future connected vehicles. The first of these models is scheduled to arrive in 2028, expanding the brand's current lineup that includes the Audi E5 Sportback and Audi E7X. The centre's research priorities include vehicle dynamics, immersive AI-powered smart cockpits tailored for Chinese premium buyers, and next-generation advanced driver assistance systems.
Fred Schulze, CEO of the Audi-SAIC strategic cooperation and chairman of the AITC board, called the opening a "historic milestone" for the AUDI brand, adding that the centre will drive innovation for the next generation of products. Dr. Johannes Roscheck, president of Audi China, said the centre demonstrates Audi's long-term commitment to the Chinese market, combining German engineering precision with local innovation to deliver customer-centric premium mobility solutions.
Leadership and team
Matthias Pfister, previously head of SAIC Volkswagen's pre-series centre in Shanghai, has been appointed general manager of the AITC, while SAIC's Shan Yunwei will serve as deputy general manager. The pair will lead a team of about 300 specialists focused on developing AI-driven luxury mobility experiences. Zu Sijie, vice president and chief engineer of SAIC Motor, described the centre as another important milestone in the deepening strategic cooperation between the two companies, positioning it to create new benchmarks for intelligent luxury electric vehicles.
The AITC is a cornerstone of Audi's dual-brand strategy in China, following the launch of the AUDI brand and its first two models. The new joint venture aims to accelerate development cycles by combining Audi's century of engineering expertise with SAIC's local market insight and China's fast-moving technology ecosystem. As the industry shifts toward software-defined and AI-defined vehicles, the centre will focus on intelligent electrification research and complete vehicle development, with the goal of delivering products tailored specifically to Chinese high-end customers.
