New China-DNA
These Innovations Will Volkswagen Present in Shanghai
Master of many brands: Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG (left in the picture). "For the Volkswagen Group, China is an important market. Two years ago, we realigned our strategy. And we have progressed faster than originally planned. Our products are tailored to the needs of Chinese customers: with a clear design language and the latest technologies," said Blume on the occasion of the upcoming trade fair in the Chinese metropolis.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen intends to present a range of new, fully connected vehicles at this year's Auto Shanghai. The models were developed with local joint venture partners at a new China-speed and are intended to better meet the wishes of Chinese customers.
At Auto Shanghai 2025, taking place from 23 April to 2 May, the first vehicles from the Volkswagen Group will make their debut, developed exclusively in China for Chinese customers and soon to enter the market. “With our strong 'In China, for China' strategy, we are switching to delivery mode for Auto Shanghai”, said Ralf Brandstätter, member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG for China.
The new models of the restructured Audi brand in China and the Volkswagen brand are said by VW to demonstrate the rapid transformation of the Group, which is presenting a total of seven world premieres in Shanghai. With the next generation of intelligent, fully connected vehicles, further market segments and customer groups in China are to be tapped.
This is urgently necessary, as a look at market developments in the Far East shows: For the first time since 2012, Volkswagen's deliveries in China shrank by ten percent in 2024, falling below the three million car mark. At the beginning of the year, the Group recorded a sales decline of seven percent in the region to around 644,000 vehicles. The decline was particularly strong for electric cars (-37 percent).
Which models will be presented at Auto Shanghai 2025?
Audi is presenting its new all-electric vehicle based on the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) for the first time: It aims to excel in terms of performance, technology, range, and charging speed. The design, infotainment system, and the Level 2++ automated driving system are tailored to the Chinese market.
Also making its debut is the first Audi production model that was completely developed in China to meet the desires of Chinese customers. It features L2++ driver assistance functions and aims to capture tech-savvy customer segments.
The Volkswagen brand is presenting three next-generation concepts on the eve of the show, which are intended to be aligned with a new, progressive design language for the Chinese market. The respective models of the three joint ventures will have a distinctly different orientation.
The three models include the first CMP-based A-Main notchback BEV concept from FAW-Volkswagen, equipped with the zonal E/E architecture CEA (China Electronic Architecture), the first B-SUV concept with Range Extender (EREV) from SAIC Volkswagen, and the first all-electric B-SUV concept from Volkswagen Anhui.
Following the "In China, for China" strategy, these three NEVs clearly demonstrate how the models are tailored to the desires of Chinese customers with digital functions and intelligent driving assistance systems.
Also, on the eve of the event, the Ducati Multistrada V4 S makes its debut on the Chinese mainland. There is a reunion at the request of many Chinese sports car fans with the Porsche 911 GT3, which is being offered again in China. Additionally, the Lamborghini Temerario and the Ducati Panigale V4 S are presented.
In total, from April 23 at the start of the exhibition, the brands of the Volkswagen Group present over 50 models covering all market segments. Among them are the new Audi Q5L exterior design and the third model of the Porsche Heritage Design Strategy. Furthermore, Porsche expands its product range in China with the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring and two other new models not named by the group.
Goals defined until 2027 and 2030
By 2027, the Volkswagen Group aims to bring over 20 fully electric and electrified models (NEV) to the market. And by 2030, the group brands are expected to offer around 30 pure electric models.
At the same time, the group sees itself in a leading role in the era of intelligent, fully connected vehicles. On the eve of the exhibition, it presents its AI-supported system. It was developed by Carizon, the joint venture between VW's software subsidiary Cariad and the Chinese AI chip provider Horizon Robotics.
According to Volkswagen, Carizon sets new standards for highly automated, intelligent, and natural driving behaviour in all traffic scenarios with the highest safety and quality standards, positioning the group on the path to ADAS Level 3 and beyond.
This article was first published at automotiveit.eu
