Recently, the topic of slowing down electric vehicles in Europe and the United States has been amplified. In this regard, Audi CEO Gaudenault said at the communication meeting after the Audi financial report conference, “Audi will adopt pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.” , fuel vehicles, Audi will still launch a new generation of fuel vehicles and plug-in hybrid models in 2026, and launch pure electric models in all market segments in 2027.”
“Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG and CEO of Audi Gaudno (first from right)”
However, Gaudnault reiterated that future cars belong to the electrification era, and this has not changed. The new generation of fuel vehicles launched by Audi in 2026 will also be the last generation. Subsequent updates of fuel vehicles will be suspended. However, it may be based on specific conditions. Make a decision based on the situation.
“New Q5 hypothetical picture”
For Audi, fuel vehicles have not been abandoned at the moment. Audi will also launch a PPC high-end luxury fuel vehicle platform similar to PPE, and the new Q5 and new A6 will be born on this platform. In terms of electric vehicles, the Q6 e-tron is just the beginning. Audi will launch more than 20 new cars in 2024-2025, and the Audi A6 e-tron will be launched in the summer of 2025. At the same time, Audi also plans to launch RS series models on the PPE platform in the future. In 2025, Audi will also launch a compact car smaller than the Q4 e-tron on the MEB platform, and the price will also be a new attraction.
“Audi Q6 e-tron”
Gaudno once again emphasized its current position in the Chinese market. Audi will build a Changchun PPE factory by the end of 2024 and launch Q6L e-tron and A6 e-tron models. At the same time, it will work with SAIC to develop new electric vehicles locally. Audi will work with SAIC to develop intelligent connected electric vehicles to attract more young user groups. In the future, Audi and SAIC will join forces in technology to create better products in terms of design, driving control, quality and other aspects. In addition, Audi will continue to bring the latest fuel vehicles to China. Audi will also strengthen its research and development capabilities in China.
“Audi A6 e-tron concept car”
After the epidemic, Audi has seen the rapid iteration of Chinese brand cars, especially in new energy vehicles. In this regard, Audi is actively adjusting its strategy, optimistically dealing with Chinese opponents, and focusing on smart cars to catch up with China’s progress. However, Gaudnault is very confident in the electric vehicles built on the PPE platform. Taking the Q6 e-tron as an example, Gaudnault believes that its advantages lie in design, quality, performance, driving, power, charging, and cruising range. Excellent performance. Audi has its own competitive advantages and at the same time provides excellent service to its customers.
Gaudino is not worried about the Chinese market, because Audi has delivered satisfactory results in China in 2023. Audi sold 733,000 cars in China, a year-on-year increase of 13%, which shows that Audi is capable of competing in China.
At the same time, regarding the entry of Chinese brand cars into Europe, Audi said that it is not worried about competition because Audi’s products are excellent and it will accept challenges from Chinese brands. “Audi opposes trade protectionism and trade barriers. It is wrong to close ourselves off. Facing competition directly and having successful products is the key.” Gaudno said.
