Audi FAW NEV Company, a joint venture between Audi AG and the Chinese state-owned automaker FAW Group, this week launched commercial production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) at its newly-built plant in Changchun, in China’s Jilin province.

The US$1.4bn facility will have a production capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year and employ approximately 3,000 staff when fully operational. It is the first in the country to exclusively produce Audi BEVs based on the PPE platform – which was developed specifically for BEVs in collaboration with Porsche.

The company began production of the Q6L e-tron range tailored to the Chinese market, which features a longer wheelbase and an interior that offers a new “digital experience” developed specifically for Chinese “tech-savvy” customers. A local version of the Audi A6 e-tron is scheduled to follow in the new year.

Audi AG’s CEO, Gernot Doellner, said in a statement: "With the start of production at Audi FAW NEV Company, we are upholding our commitment to the Chinese market and taking a significant step forward in our electrification strategy. The models produced here will play a crucial role in our local portfolio and strengthen our position in this key market."

Construction of the plant began in 2022, with digital technology used throughout the process starting with the initial design. The facility boasts industry-leading digital manufacturing processes to facilitate “intelligent and efficient production”.

Gerd Walker, member of the board of management for production and logistics at Audi AG, pointed out: “Localized production of market-specific models has always been key to our success in China, and it is essential for the future of Audi to be close to customers.”