Audi to build electric vehicle factory in China

Audi is aggressively expanding its electrified vehicle portfolio not only in its home region but also in other markets like China. The German automotive brand and its partner company, First Automotive Works (FAW), will be putting up a new EV plant in Changchun.

“The Audi-FAW NEV company will play a central role in our electrification strategy in China. We are excited to have achieved another important milestone in the realization of this project along with our partner FAW. Now we can give all our attention to the continued setting-up of the company as well as begin with construction on the new plant,” said Audi Chairman of the Board of Management Markus Duesmann.

Both Audi and the Chinese state-owned automotive manufacturing company received approval from Chinese authorities after intense preparations.

The Audi-FAW NEV Company is the first cooperation company with a majority interest held by Audi in China. CEO Helmut Stettner will also assume management of the new plant.

The new EV factory will sit on 150 hectares and will feature a highly modern plant for fully electric Audi models. Estimated production capacity for the CO2-neutral and fully connected facility, said Audi, is more than 150,000 electric cars a year.

Production areas at the plant will include a press shop, body construction, paint shop, and final assembly line in addition to an in-house battery assembly. The first buildings will be erected in Changchun when the frost period ends with the entirety of the complex expected to be finished by the end of 2024.

Three models are initially slated for production at the site on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) co-developed with Porsche. The first cars to roll off the Changchun plant will be an electric SUV and an e-limousine.

“As the newest Audi production site, the plant will set new standards in digitalization, efficiency, and sustainability. By setting up the new Audi-FAW NEV Company, we will bring a fresh charge to e-mobility in China,” said Audi China President Jürgen Unser.

Photos from Audi

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