Research and development

Audi R&D Beijing was established at Audi China in 2013. The development center in China’s capital city is part of the global Technical Development division of AUDI AG. The teams of engineers work with close contacts to customers in Asia on regional product adaptations and tests. Furthermore, the R&D employees ensure that innovations and trends from Asia flow into the concept phase of future products of AUDI AG.

Audi R&D Beijing covers all the areas of the global Technical Development division of AUDI AG. The development center is located in the Audi China building in Beijing’s 798 Art Zone.

Designers at Audi R&D Beijing create China-specific designs and concepts and collaborate closely with the headquarters in Ingolstadt.

Audi engineers in Beijing have been developing infotainment solutions for automobile customers in China, Japan and South Korea since 2008, including a touchpad for inputting handwritten Asian characters into the navigation system. The electronics engineers were integrated into the new R&D center in 2013.

Together with the Chinese partner FAW, Audi has been active in local car development in China for 25 years now. This includes country-specific testing, for example on the basis of local geographic demands such as fitness for desert conditions. The joint venture is also involved in the prequalification and testing of locally purchased parts.

In close cooperation with the partner FAW, special long versions have been designed for the Chinese market (Audi A6 L and Audi A4 L). The additional space and comfort in the rear of these cars is intended to satisfy the preferences of Chinese customers. Audi was the first premium manufacturer to offer a long version especially for the Chinese market.