Audi has announced a deepening of its 'dual-brand, dual-partner' strategy in China, working with both FAW and SAIC to strengthen its position in the world's largest car market. The move, reported by Gasgoo and republished by D1EV, sets out a clear division of roles between the classic four-ring brand and the new AUDI letter-brand, underpinning what Audi calls its largest product offensive in China to date.
Four-ring brand: ICE and EV in parallel
For the four-ring brand, Audi and FAW will focus on both intelligent luxury new-energy vehicles and fuel-powered models, following a strategy of 'oil and electric advancing together with full intelligence.' Upcoming models include the Audi A6L e-tron, Q6L e-tron, and new A5L and A6L sedans, blending Audi's performance heritage with China's rapid innovation in smart technology.
Audi's China president, Dr. Rolf H. Bulander, said the dual-brand strategy will help local partners deliver premium products and experiences. FAW's general manager, Liu Yigong, emphasized that FAW Audi will remain user-centric and continue the 'oil and electric' strategy.
AUDI letter-brand: EV focus with SAIC
With SAIC, Audi is concentrating on the AUDI letter-brand, which targets China's demand for luxury intelligent connected new-energy vehicles. After the launch of the Audi E5 Sportback in 2025, the first SUV, the Audi E7X, hit the market in May and has drawn strong attention. The new AUDI Innovation Technology Center in Shanghai is now operational, and the two partners will deepen cooperation across the full value chain of future models.
SAIC's president, Jia Jianxu, said the AUDI brand carries the mission of creating a new model of joint-venture cooperation, combining SAIC's industrial ecosystem with Audi's luxury heritage.
Audi has also clarified operational details: SAIC Audi can continue selling four-ring products until the end of 2027, and after-sales service for both four-ring and AUDI brand products will remain stable. The company says it will maintain prudent and transparent communication as the strategy rolls out.