Audi FAW NEV Company, a joint venture between Audi and Chinese carmaker FAW, started production on Tuesday of all-electric models in Changchun, capital of Northeast China’s Jilin province.

The new production site is the first in the country to exclusively produce fully electric Audi models based on the PPE platform, codeveloped by Audi and Porsche.

Production has begun with the Q6L e-tron family, which will be followed by a China-specific version of the Audi A6 e-tron, said the company.

“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,” says Gernot Doellner, CEO of Audi AG.

“The models produced here will play a crucial role in our local portfolio and strengthen our position in this key market,” he said.

The Audi Q6L e-tron is the first electric vehicle based on the PPE produced in China. It differs from the overseas edition not only in its longer wheelbase, but also through design features and innovations for the Chinese market.

For example, the interior of the Q6L e-tron features a digital experience developed specifically for the country’s tech-savvy customers. Its sister model, the Audi Q6L Sportback e-tron, combines the strengths of the SUV model with a sporty coupe-like silhouette.

Construction of the production site in Changchun started in 2022, and digital technology was adopted to design and build the plant from the very beginning.

Audi is also deploying an integrated IT solution in the Chinese market for the first time.

With industry-leading digital manufacturing processes, it facilitates the realization of intelligent and efficient production.

Helmut Stettner, CEO of Audi FAW NEV Company, said technology helps amplify the synergies between the teams from Germany and China.

“It also enables us to be fast and highly efficient and speed up processes – both during construction and in day-to day-operation. We create an ideal synergy between our highly skilled workforce and cutting-edge technology at the site,” he said.