Beijing, April 19, 2024. At Auto China 2024, the Volkswagen Group and its brands demonstrate their innovative strength with an impressive line-up of China specific products. Six world premieres and five China premieres are the highlights among the 44 car and motorbike models on display. Through a strong ‘In China, for China’ approach, the Group set the course for accelerated technical localization, as well as faster production and development, to ensure it continues to offer tailor made products in China now and in the future. The transformation is well underway, and the market-wide product offensive with a focus on smart, connected vehicles tailored to Chinese consumers is accelerating to ‘China speed’. 

Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG: “The Volkswagen Group is fully committed to China, the powerhouse of the global automotive industry. As number one international OEM in the market, we are setting out on a long-distance race to transform the automotive industry from a position of strength. We have a clear ambition to remain the leading international car manufacturer in China and we are accelerating our speed of innovation with our Chinese partners. At Auto China 2024, we provide thrilling proof of our innovative strength. We operate in China, for China.”

Ralf Brandstätter, Board Member of Volkswagen AG for China, said: “With a clear focus on electrification and show-stopping reveals of China-specific models, we underline our strong ‘In China, for China’ strategy. We continue to transform our portfolio to strengthen our market position, tapping new consumer groups while catering to the needs of our Chinese customers with state-of-the-art products.” 

At the Volkswagen Group Media Night on April 24, seven key models out of the 44 show premieres from Volkswagen Group brands will be unveiled. From April 25, an impressive NEV (New Energy Vehicle) and ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) model line-up will be on display on the show floor. Demonstrating the consistent ‘In China, for China’ strategy of the Group as it accelerates its transformation to ‘China speed’.

Show-stopping models focused on the needs of Chinese customers

For the Volkswagen Group, 2024 is a record year of ‘World Premieres’. The Group will present a comprehensive, strong product line-up in Beijing covering all market segments. All brands are preparing to put on a stunning show, including six world premieres and five China premieres. Among the 44 cars on display, 18 will be electrified NEV models. 

The Volkswagen brand will reveal a concept car tailored for Chinese consumers. A new, progressive member of the ID. family– to be produced by Volkswagen Anhui - will also make its debut, and expand the brand’s all-electric ID. portfolio in China. In addition, two all-new ICE models, featuring the latest technologies for improved efficiency and digitalization will be unveiled. The sub-brand JETTA will bring 3 models to Beijing Auto Show.

Audi is debuting multiple all-new BEV models, highlighting its ongoing determination to deliver premium electric mobility with deepened commitment to China. Its first market-specific model based on the PPE platform and new E3 1.2 architecture, the Q6L e-tron, will notably make its world premiere at the ‘Group Media Night’. Other highlights include the China premiere of the SQ6 e-tron and the Q5 e-tron RS edition, underlining the spirit of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ in the ICV era.

Porsche will present the world premiere of the 8th variant of Taycan in China, which is tailored specifically for the Chinese market. The new model combines higher performance with fully improved luxury and comfort equipment, aiming to meet the needs of Chinese consumers for a more powerful and practical sports car. The all-electric Macan will also make its China debut. With its characteristic Porsche performance, progressive yet timeless design, long-distance range and high everyday practicality, the all-electric Macan is the perfect interpretation of an all-electric luxury sports SUV.

Bentley will present its latest product portfolio. All cars on display are crafted by its personal commissioning division, Mulliner. At the Group Media Night, Mulliner’s latest coachbuilt model, Bentley Batur, will make its China debut. An one-of-one Bentley model will have its public premiere at Auto China 2024, which is exclusively created for the Chinese market.

Ducati will showcase the Diavel for Bentley for the first time in China at the Group Media Night. Developed around the technical base of the Diavel V4, the innovative and exclusive design of the Diavel for Bentley is inspired by the elegant and sophisticated lines of the Bentley Batur, which anticipates the style of Bentleys to come.

Meanwhile, a Lamborghini PHEV model will make its world premiere at the ‘Group Media Night’.

40 years, 39 plants and around 50 million customers – Volkswagen’s strong China foundation

For the last 40 years, Volkswagen Group, its brands and strong partners have never stopped moving forward alongside China’s auto industry and their Chinese customers. In China's highly competitive auto environment, the Volkswagen Group can rely on its strong market position. 

Not only is the Group the clear market leader in China in terms of new registrations, it is also the clear leader in terms of vehicles in operation. Around 50 million customers now drive a car produced by the Group brands. In addition, brand loyalty is above the market average for the Group's locally produced Audi and Volkswagen models. As a result, the Group’s 40-year presence in China is an advantage in this dynamically developing market.

More than 3,500 dealers in the nationwide retail network are the point of contact for customers of the Group's brands. Customers can choose from around 160 passenger car models from the Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, ŠKODA, Bentley and Lamborghini brands - and the motorcycle manufacturer Ducati also offers ten of its models in China.

Volkswagen has 39 plants in China, making it an integral part of the country's industrial ecosystem. Strong partnerships connect the Volkswagen Group with the Chinese high-tech companies Horizon Robotics (autonomous driving functions), ThunderSoft (infotainment) and ARK (user experience). Over 90,000 employees work for the Group in China, making Volkswagen the largest European employer in China.

‘In China, for China’ transformation at ‘China speed’

As the industry enters a new era of intelligent, connected vehicles, the Group has set a clear course in China with ‘Target Picture 2030’, making significant progress over the past 20 months. 

Under its ‘In China, for China’ strategy, the Volkswagen Group is accelerating its development to ‘China speed’. It is strengthening its local development capacities for e-mobility, digitalization and autonomous driving and accelerating its decision making and development processes in the region. This will allow the company to address market-defining trends in China at an early stage and best leverage the market’s growth dynamics and innovative strength. 

As a result, the Group is expanding its site in Hefei into a state-of-the-art production, development, and innovation hub, while also focusing on partnerships with Chinese high-tech companies. A high level of technical localization and consistent customer orientation are the key for Volkswagen Group China and its joint ventures, SAIC Volkswagen, FAW-Volkswagen and Volkswagen Anhui, to take a leading role in the new ICV era.

Appendix: Group Brands at Beijing Auto Show *

The Volkswagen brand will reveal a concept car tailored for Chinese consumers

Audi Q6L e-tron will make its world premiere at the Group Media Night

The all-electric Porsche Macan will make its China debut

Bentley Batur will make its China debut

Ducati will showcase the Diavel for Bentley for the first time in China at the Group Media Night