Audi FAW NEV Company, a joint venture between Audi AG and the Chinese state-owned automaker FAW Group, has officially commenced commercial production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) at its state-of-the-art plant in Changchun, located in China’s Jilin province.
This cutting-edge facility, which required an investment of US$1.4 billion, is equipped with the capacity to manufacture 150,000 vehicles annually and will employ around 3,000 staff members once it reaches full operational capacity. It stands as the first plant in China dedicated solely to producing Audi BEVs based on the innovative PPE platform, developed in collaboration with Porsche specifically for BEVs.
The initial production at the plant includes the Q6L e-tron range tailored for the Chinese market, featuring an elongated wheelbase and a redesigned interior aimed at providing a new “digital experience” tailored for tech-savvy Chinese customers. Following this, a localized version of the Audi A6 e-tron is set to roll out in the upcoming year.
Gernot Doellner, CEO of Audi AG, expressed the company’s commitment to the Chinese market and emphasized the strategic importance of the models manufactured at the Audi FAW NEV Company plant. He stated, “The models produced here will play a crucial role in our local portfolio and strengthen our position in this key market.”
The construction of the plant, initiated in 2022, embraced digital technologies at every phase, starting from the initial design. The facility boasts cutting-edge digital manufacturing processes that facilitate intelligent and efficient production.
Gerd Walker, a member of the board of management for production and logistics at Audi AG, highlighted the significance of localized production of market-specific models for Audi’s success in China, emphasizing the necessity of being close to customers for the future growth of the company.
The launch of commercial production at the Audi FAW NEV Company plant marks a significant milestone in Audi’s electrification strategy and underscores the brand’s dedication to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry. With a focus on producing high-quality, market-specific electric vehicles, Audi is poised to make a lasting impact in the rapidly evolving Chinese automotive market.
