Audi is aiming to clarify the difference between its two brands and, at the same time, its two major partners in the Chinese market. Under newly signed strategic agreements, FAW will strengthen its focus on the traditional four-ring Audi brand, while SAIC will concentrate on the AUDI brand identified by its uppercase wordmark.
The arrangement gives each partnership a more defined role in product development, positioning and distribution. FAW’s scope spans electric and combustion-powered Audi models. SAIC’s focus will be connected new-energy vehicles developed around Chinese consumer needs. Audi says the structure is intended to accelerate decision-making and better address a rapidly changing luxury market.
FOUR RINGS WITH FAW
For the four-ring brand as the rest of us in the west know it, Audi and FAW will continue developing a lineup of Chinese market geared versions of familiar Audi models covering multiple powertrain types. The announcement names the A6L e-tron and Q6L e-tron alongside the new A5L and A6L as key elements of that product strategy.
Electrification remains part of both partnerships. The four-ring brand will continue offering electric models alongside combustion-powered cars, while the separate AUDI brand gives the SAIC partnership a dedicated identity for its China-focused new-energy products.
FAW general manager Liu Yigong said the partnership has served more than 10 million customers over its 38 years in China. Its future approach will continue addressing demand across combustion, electric and hybrid powertrains.
SAIC CONCENTRATES ON AUDI
Audi and SAIC will further develop the AUDI brand following the E5 Sportback’s introduction in 2025 and the E7X SUV’s market launch in May 2026.
The announcement also confirms completion of the Audi Innovation Technology Center in Shanghai, dedicated to the AUDI brand. Audi says the facility will support deeper cooperation with SAIC across the development and delivery of future models.
SAIC president Jia Jianxu described the partnership’s task as combining China’s automotive technology and industrial resources with Audi’s luxury-car experience. Audi China president Johannes Roscheck said the clearer brand positioning would provide a foundation for the company’s long-term development in the market.
SAIC FOUR-RING SALES CONTINUE THROUGH 2027
The most concrete near-term detail concerns distribution: SAIC Audi can continue selling four-ring models through the end of 2027.
Audi says customer service, after-sales support and dealer operations will continue during implementation of the agreements. After-sales service for both SAIC Audi’s four-ring vehicles and its AUDI-branded models will remain in operation.
The release does not specify how individual four-ring models currently associated with SAIC will be handled after 2027, or detail the eventual changes to individual dealerships.
For customers, the announcement establishes a transition period for four-ring sales through SAIC alongside continued service support. For Audi, it sets a clearer direction for its two partnerships as the company prepares what it describes as its largest product offensive yet in China.
