Audi and SAIC Motor Establish Joint Innovation Center in Shanghai to Develop China-Exclusive Smart Vehicles
German luxury automaker Audi, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, and its Chinese partner SAIC Motor have established a joint innovation center in Shanghai to develop localized automotive technologies exclusively for the Chinese market.
The joint facility will spearhead the engineering of advanced powertrain controls, vehicle architectures, AI-driven intelligent cockpits, and next-generation Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The initiative forms a core pillar of Audi’s strategy to deepen its competitive footprint in the world's largest automotive market by shifting from standardized global offerings to market-tailored platforms.
Strategic Development on the ADP 2.0 Platform
Under the partnership, Audi and SAIC plan to co-develop four entirely new Audi-branded production models designed to complement the marque's existing Chinese portfolio:
Milestone / ParameterProject Details
Vehicle ArchitectureAdvanced Digitized Platform (ADP 2.0), optimized for next-generation smart and connected vehicles.
Product Roadmap4 all-new models tailored for China's premium segment.
Market LaunchFirst model scheduled for commercial release in 2028.
Ownership StructureUndisclosed by both parties.
The establishment of the Shanghai hub highlights a broader industry shift among legacy global automakers toward localized research and development in China. By engineering smart cockpits and software architectures directly within the domestic market, manufacturers aim to keep pace with rapid consumer adoption of smart electric vehicles and tech-integrated driving experiences.