- Audi and SAIC set up AITC as an engineering and delivery hub to develop China-focused AUDI electric models, reflecting pressure to localize and capture EV market share from incumbents.
- AITC staffs about 300 people across six departments, will develop ADP 2.0‑based AUDI models with first large six‑seat SUV due in 2028; SAIC‑Audi sells four‑ring models through 2027.
- Targets Tesla‑style and premium EV segments, but execution risks include tight 2028 timing, parallel systems integration challenges, and scaling engineering capacity without quality or cost overruns.
Audi Innovation & Technology Center (AITC) held its first staff meeting on October 27, outlining its mission, organizational structure and next-generation vehicle development plans, according to Chinese media reports.
AITC General Manager Matthias Pfister and Deputy General Manager Shan Yunwei presented the center’s responsibilities and technical development framework for the AUDI brand.
Established jointly by Audi and SAIC in September, AITC is responsible for developing models under the AUDI brand, which uses the four-letter logo rather than Audi’s traditional four rings. Its scope covers vehicle engineering, advanced driver assistance systems and smart cockpits.
The meeting clarified AITC’s role as the engineering and delivery hub for these models, responsible for the full development process from initial engineering to validation. New vehicles must incorporate advanced intelligent features while meeting Audi’s standards for driving dynamics, quality and safety.
AITC also emphasized integrating the needs of Chinese consumers into product definition from the earliest stages. The next-generation models will see parallel development of driver assistance systems, electrical/electronic architecture and smart cockpits, reducing late-stage coordination and repeated design changes between systems.
Audi will lead the definition, software and hardware development, and validation of the driver assistance systems. Smart cockpit development will integrate user experience, interface design, software engineering and electrical/electronic architecture to deliver AI-driven interactions.
AITC is structured around a workforce of approximately 300. Audi appointed Pfister as general manager, while SAIC appointed Shan as deputy general manager.
The center has six departments covering technical project management, vehicle development, driver assistance, smart cockpits, governance and finance, and human resources and IT. Together, they cover vehicle engineering, specialized system development and operational support.
Audi and SAIC previously announced plans to jointly develop four new AUDI models based on the ADP 2.0 intelligent digital platform. The first model is scheduled to launch in 2028.
The debut model is expected to be a large six-seat SUV. ADP 2.0 will underpin subsequent AUDI models, while AITC will translate the needs of Chinese consumers into product specifications and handle engineering development and validation.
The restructuring also aligns with Audi’s recently announced division of responsibilities in China.
Under a plan unveiled on October 26, FAW-Audi will continue to focus on vehicles bearing the four-ring logo, spanning both internal-combustion and new energy models. SAIC-Audi, meanwhile, will concentrate on the all-electric-focused AUDI brand.
With the roles of the two joint ventures now more clearly defined, AITC will take on a more focused development mandate for AUDI models.
During the transition, SAIC-Audi can continue selling four-ring Audi models through the end of 2027, with after-sales services remaining unaffected.
AITC will meanwhile advance development of the ADP 2.0 platform and future models, establishing a sustained product development capability for the AUDI brand.
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