Audi and Chinese partner SAIC have opened a technology centre in Shanghai to develop the next generation of electric vehicles for the China-exclusive AUDI brand.
The AUDI Innovation & Technology Center (AITC), employing around 300 people, will oversee vehicle development from initial concept to production readiness.
A key responsibility is developing the second-generation Advanced Digitized Platform (ADP), which will underpin four new AUDI models jointly developed by Audi and SAIC.
The companies announced the four-model programme in April, alongside plans for the new centre.
Development will focus on advanced driver assistance systems and AI-powered cabins capable of understanding different forms of user interaction and providing personalised functions.
Audi is also working with a Chinese AI and cloud technology provider to explore integrating AI models directly into vehicle architecture during early development.
The centre will handle software development and support over-the-air updates, allowing vehicle functions to evolve after production.
Formed in 2024, AUDI is a separate, China-exclusive sister brand that does not use Audi’s traditional four-ring emblem.
Its first production model, the electric E5 Sportback, arrived in 2025, followed by the E7X electric SUV in May 2026. A third model is planned to complete the brand’s first generation.
