Audi doubled down on its commitment to the Chinese market at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, unveiling new electric vehicle concepts developed through local partnerships. Audi AG CEO Gernot Döllner told reporters that feedback from Chinese consumers directly inspires the company's R&D priorities worldwide, calling China "both a laboratory and a catalyst for automotive evolution."
The German automaker showcased over a dozen China-exclusive EV models featuring AI-powered driving systems and extended-range battery technology. Strategic collaborations with domestic tech firms and battery manufacturers were emphasized as critical to Audi's "localization 3.0" strategy, which combines European engineering with Chinese digital ecosystem integration.
"The pace of innovation here demands that we co-create rather than simply adapt," Döllner stated, noting that 40% of Audi's global R&D budget now flows through its Chinese mainland operations. Analysts suggest this market-specific approach could redefine how multinational automakers balance global branding with regional customization.
