Shanghai, November 5, 2024 — Volkswagen Group is driving its transformation towards the ICV era in China with high speed. By enhancing local R&D and integrating deeply into the local ecosystem, the Group sharpens its products and technologies on the needs of Chinese customers. At this year's China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Volkswagen Group China, with Volkswagen brand, Audi and Porsche, as well as its software unit CARIAD China, is presenting the latest achievements of its high-speed transformation.

Highlights of this year’s presence includes the debut of a smart cockpit demo showing state-of-the-art digital functions enabled by the China Electronic Architecture (CEA), a high performance E/E architecture. Volkswagen brand, Audi and Porsche are presenting six pure electric models and the China public premiere of the classic Porsche 911 Turbo (930), which is the first turbocharged production car of Porsche.

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. We have a clear ambition to maintain our position as the leading international car manufacturer in China. Thus, we will continue to invest and innovate to meet the evolving needs of the Chinese customers. The know-how we are gaining in China will also accelerate our global transformation.” 

Ralf Brandstätter, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG for China: “For 40 years, the Volkswagen Group has never stopped to deliver China specific products and technologies to our Chinese customers. With our consistent ‘in China, for China’ strategy, we are following a strong plan to stay on the fast lane of transformation in the future. Backed by our strong local R&D capabilities and partnerships with Chinese tech companies and OEMs, we deliver on our promises to cater to the needs of our Chinese customers with state-of-the-art products.”

CEA, Volkswagen Group’s Key Unlocking the ICV Era in China

CARIAD China, the Volkswagen Group’s software-house, displays a  powerful smart cockpit demo, enabled by Volkswagen Group’s first  locally developed zonal E/E architecture, CEA – the China Electrical Architecture. 

Volkswagen’s scalable software architecture CEA allows fast customised digital services for smart cockpit. empowered by four strong competencies: Human-Machine-Interaction (HMI), tailor-made vehicle services, powerful AI and strong integration into the local digital ecosystem. This enables CEA to provide Chinese customers advanced intelligent vehicle functions, diverse applications and connectivity, as well as regular and fast over-the-air updates while reducing the system complexity at the same time. 

The potential of CEA is demonstrated by the smart cockpit APP “Travel Memory”, a new software function developed by CARIAD China. Empowered by AIGC technology, users can capture scenic views along their journeys to generate personalized travel memories, which can be shared on social media. This application is planned to be introduced into serial production in vehicles equipped with the CEA architecture by 2026.

From 2026, CEA will be adapted in locally produced all-electric vehicles of the Volkswagen brand in China including models based on the new ‘China Main Platform’ (CMP) and the global MEB electric drive matrix. Thus, bringing local customers a more personalized intelligent driving experience in China, for China.

Strong Lineup Tailormade for Chinese Customers

Volkswagen Group China is presenting a robust product line-up at CIIE, featuring six BEV models tailor-made for China, and the China public premiere of the iconic Porsche 911 Turbo (930).

Volkswagen Brand presents three all-electric ID. models at the CIIE, underlining its strong commitment to shaping the future of intelligent and sustainable mobility in China. The recently launched ID. UNYX produced by Volkswagen Anhui – and featuring a golden logo – is the first model in this progressive new category and the brand’s first smart electric coupe SUV in China. Designed to meet the needs of lifestyle-conscious and young Chinese customers, it comes equipped with a driver-centric interior and a completely new Human Machine Interface (HMI). The stylish and reliable ID.3 from SAIC VOLKSWAGEN leads the smart all-electric compact hatchback segment, thanks to its German engineering, high-quality materials, and the latest generation assistance systems and software. In the B-class sedan segment, FAW-Volkswagen’s ID.7 VIZZION strikes a balance between aesthetics and practicality, with an elegant exterior designed for greater efficiency and range. It offers C-class spaciousness with premium technology features to meet Chinese customers’ needs for a safer, smarter and more comfortable driving experience. Volkswagen Brand is further accelerating its NEV offering, designing a new era that is ‘in China, for China’, tailoring designs and technologies to fast-evolving customer needs.

Highlighting its accelerating e-transformation in China, Audi shows two fully electric products – the all-new Audi Q6L e-tron and the Audi e-tron GT. Built on the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE), the all-new Q6L e-tron is tailor-made for the Chinese market. Audi is producing three all-electric models based on the PPE at the Audi FAW NEV Co site in Changchun for the Chinese market, starting with the Audi Q6L e-tron at the end of 2024.

Porsche brings its youngest electrified model—the all-new electric Macan Turbo. In the context of electrification, Porsche has continued the tradition of naming the top-of-the-range engine versions with Turbo, representing the pinnacle of Porsche’s E-Performance. To further distinguish the Turbo series, Porsche has introduced an exclusive new color—Turbonite—that elevates the recognition and luxury of Turbo models. Additionally, Porsche brings a significant classic to Chinese public for the first time — the first production 911 Turbo (930)—to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Turbo. The display of these two Turbo models from different eras showcases Porsche's enduring Turbo spirit, which has evolved from ultimate performance to encompass brand values and lifestyle, adding new dimensions to its meaning. Since its entry into the Chinese market, Porsche has been increasing its investment in China. The establishment of Porsche (Shanghai) Investment Limited in October reflects the company’s confidence in long-term investment in the Chinese market. Additionally, this new company will enhance capabilities and choices to support future business development and investment opportunities.

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. 

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 3,000 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). Around 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 two years. 

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.

Volkswagen Group China booth at the 2024 CIIE

CARIAD China showcases the intelligent cockpit capabilities powered by CEA

Innovative app 'Travel Memory' further demonstrates CEA's limitless potential

ID.UNYX

ID.7 VIZZION

ID.3

Audi Q6L e-tron

Audi e-tron GT

Porsche Macan Turbo

Porsche 911 Turbo （930）