Audi expands development in China with new R&D center in Beijing
- The Four Rings are increasing development of market-specific technologies in and for China
- Audi China President Dr. Jürgen Unser: “The new Audi China Building marks a major milestone in the 34-year history of Audi in China, underlining our commitment to the Chinese market.”
- Technology roadmap for China: focus on smart cockpits, user interfaces, connectivity services, electronic architectures, and driver assistance systems
Audi is strengthening its development capabilities in China with a significant broadening of its R&D scope in the region and an expansion of its local Audi China R&D team. The move to the new Audi China Building, opening nearly 10 years after its predecessor, is also a significant milestone in Audi’s more than three-decade long history in China. The new Audi China Building supports the Four Rings’ efforts to establish additional research and production capacities in the country. The state-of-the-art R&D facility will serve as a key innovation hub for the next generation of Audi technologies.
With the enlarged R&D team, Audi China is going full throttle to expand its local R&D capabilities in the market: in close alignment with AUDI AG, Audi China is systematically investing in smart cockpit technologies, innovative display concepts, intelligent voice control systems, and connectivity solutions. The development team is also working on brand-shaping user interfaces and experience designs as well as China-specific vehicle designs. In addition, the R&D team and its counterpart in Germany work together to define and develop product features for new electronic architectures, including advanced driver assistance systems and automated driver systems.
“Both the new R&D center in Beijing and the Audi FAW NEV Company in Changchun clearly prove the progress in transforming Audi’s business in China. With both projects, we are addressing the market-defining trends in the Chinese auto market, namely: electrification, digitalization, and sustainability,” says Audi CEO Markus Duesmann.
“Furthering research and development as well as production in our largest market is an important measure. Our new R&D building in Beijing is the latest proof point for our ‘in China for China’ approach,” says Audi China President Dr. Jürgen Unser. “With the relocation and expansion of our development team, we have created a rock-solid basis for the next generation of premium products and technologies. The new flagship location for our development also creates an even stronger presence for our brand,” Dr. Unser added.
Audi China R&D: end-to-end development capabilities
The new Audi China Building is the foremost development hub for Audi in China and home to seven different R&D departments with end-to-end vehicle development capabilities. “The new Audi China Building is a symbol of our dedicated R&D roadmap for China. We are enlarging our team of Chinese and international talents in various technology fields. In doing so, we want to meet and exceed the expectations of our Chinese customers for digitalization and intelligent connected vehicles,” says Audi China EVP for R&D Michael Hofmann. “We are looking forward to attracting young talents, both from the automotive industry and other innovative fields, including the technology sector. At the new R&D center, we will provide an excellent work environment for our development team.”
State-of-the-art surroundings for a dedicated team of developers
The new Audi China Building, located in the heart of Beijing’s North Central Business District, spans over 6,000 sqm across five floors and accommodates all departments of the Audi China R&D division. In a dedicated area, Audi Design China uses advanced digital tools such as VR headsets and digital drawing tablets to create the car designs of the future. The building also includes two workshops and a robust design lab, as well as an electronics lab and an engaging public showroom.
In China for China: Audi’s long history of local R&D in China
The Four Rings have a long history of developing specific products and technologies for the Chinese market. Along with the founding of Audi China in 2009, the local R&D division was formally established as a fully integrated satellite of AUDI AG’s technical development division in Ingolstadt, Germany. Since 2013, the development team has been based at the former “Audi China Building” in the 798 Art District of Beijing. Over the years, responsibilities covered by Audi China’s R&D division have grown steadily.
With the new R&D center in Beijing, Audi is further building upon its world-wide development network, which also includes sites in Germany, Hungary, and Mexico, as well as design studios in the USA and China.
