Audi to begin construction of EV plant in China

MANILA: Audi is continuously concentrating on the electrification of its model range in China. With the Audi-FAW NEV Company Ltd., Audi is mapping a route for expanding its e-product range by establishing a new plant for fully electric Audi vehicles based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). The construction of the new facility in Changchun is set to begin after extensive preparations and successful approval by Chinese authorities. The site will be able to produce over 150,000 electric vehicles per year, and it will be carbon-neutral and fully connected.

In a statement, Audi AG Board of Management Chairman Markus Duesmann said, “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.”

By the end of 2024, an ultramodern plant for fully electric Audi models will be built on an area of around 150 hectares. “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,” Audi China President Jurgen Unser stated.

To connect all site processes, a new IT architecture will be implemented. Mission: Zero, a cross-site environmental program, establishes the conditions for sustainability, guaranteeing that production at the Changhun plant is carbon-neutral and fully networked. In addition to an in-house battery assembly, the plant will also have a press shop, body construction, paint shop, and final assembly line. The first buildings will be constructed when the frost season ends.

The new plant will be the first in China to produce entirely all-electric Audi models. The factory will play a key role in the ongoing electrification of Audi’s product lineup for the Chinese market. Three models are initially set for production at the plant. An electric SUV and an e-limousine will be the first vehicles to roll off the line.

The Audi-FAW NEV Company is the first joint venture in China in which Audi owns a majority stake. Chief Executive Officer Helmut Stettner will also supervise the new plant.

Photo from Audi

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