Published - July 21st, 2023 @ 2:03 PM (GMT+2)
Audi and SAIC Confirm Electric Vehicle Partnership in China
Audi and SAIC have officially confirmed a collaborative alliance centered around electric vehicle (EV) projects in China, marking an essential step in Audi's plan to expand its footprint in the local market.
Currently, there's limited information about the specifics of this partnership. Industry whispers indicate Audi's potential interest in adopting the EV platform of SAIC-owned IM Motors, as an alternative to the repeatedly delayed Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) of the Volkswagen Group. The feasibility of this proposed strategy is yet to be verified.
In a recent statement, SAIC commented, "Recognizing the unprecedented transformation the Chinese auto market is undergoing, all parties involved have agreed to collaborate on a strategic approach that assures our prospective success."
SAIC's EV Platform Suitability
Autocar highlights that the SAIC-developed platform, utilized in the IM Motors' L7 sedan and LS7 SUV, caters to models with wheelbases varying between 2,800 mm (110 inches) and 3,200 mm (126 inches). Additionally, it endorses an 800-volt electric system.
As Audi battles dwindling sales, there will be a leadership shift in September. CEO Markus Duesmann will step aside for Gernot Döllner, current head of product and strategy at Volkswagen Group. Duesmann attributed the company's sales dip in China to the absence of locally optimized vehicles, further recognizing Audi's need to expedite new EV models to satisfy China's burgeoning demand.
Audi's EV Development
Simultaneously, Audi is persisting in the development of its exclusive Performance Platform Electric (PPE), a joint project with Porsche. Though Audi initially planned to employ the VW Group's more widely available SSP architecture for some models, software development delays have compelled Audi to seek alternative strategies.
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