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Electric & new energy vehicles
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Audi, facing sales slump in China, to collaborate with state-owned Chinese partner SAIC on EVs

  • ‘We will jointly work on a strategic approach that guarantees our future success,’ SAIC says in statement to Post
  • German carmaker might buy EV platform from SAIC unit IM Motors: sources

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An Audi A6 e-tron concept EV is displayed at Auto Shanghai in this file photo from April 2021. Photo: Reuters
Daniel Renin Shanghai
German carmaker Audi, which is facing a big drop in sales in mainland China, will work with Chinese partner SAIC Motor to establish an electric-vehicle (EV) development platform, in the hope of catching up with the likes of Tesla in the world’s largest EV market.
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State-owned SAIC, the mainland’s largest domestic carmaker, said in a statement to the Post on Friday that the two carmakers share a common understanding and seek to accelerate the electrification of their portfolios through joint projects.

“All stakeholders agree that the Chinese auto market is in the midst of the biggest transformation in its history,” the Shanghai-based company said. “Therefore, we will jointly work on a strategic approach that guarantees our future success.”

SAIC did not disclose details about the EV platform, but two sources with a car parts supplier said the talks – focused on the design and production of premium Audi EVs – are at a critical stage.

Audi might buy a platform, which includes power trains and smart driving systems, from IM Motors, a venture between SAIC, Alibaba Group Holding, which owns the Post, and state-backed property operator Shanghai Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park Development, the sources said. SAIC owns a 54 per cent stake in IM Motors.
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It is not yet known if IM will continue to make its own EVs after reaching the deal with Audi.

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