Start of Production in Beijing: New long-wheelbase C-Class strengthens Mercedes-Benz’ China portfolio

Frank Deiss (fourth from left), President and CEO Beijing Benz Automotive (BBAC), with team-members at the production line, celebrating the first Mercedes-Benz Long-wheelbase C-Class in Beijing

• As part of the global production network for the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. (BBAC) is the fourth site in less than six months to start production.  
• The first ever long-wheelbase version of the C-Class for the local market marks another key milestone for Daimler’s China strategy
• Hubertus Troska: “The C-Class is at the core of our development in China and destined to become one of our top growth drivers here.”
• Close cooperation and exchange between worldwide C-Class sites assures top quality on a global level

BEIJING/STUTTGART : July 29, 2014 – Mercedes-Benz for the first time has started production of a long-wheelbase version of the C-Class. Not even six months after the start of production of the new C-Class in Bremen, Germany, the first long-wheelbase C-Class model has rolled off its production line at Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. (BBAC) in China. The model, which will be launched in China starting this September, is an important addition to Mercedes-Benz’ portfolio and marks another key milestone in Daimler’s China strategy.

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McLAREN AUTOMOTIVE LAUNCHES IN CHINA

McLaren Automotive launches in China

• McLaren Automotive begins selling its range of innovative, high performance supercars – the 12C, 12C Spider and McLaren P1™, in China
• The company has appointed retailers in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu and Guangzhou
• McLaren has held the first in a series of events celebrating the brand’s official entry into China

The entry of McLaren Automotive into the major Chinese market has begun with the establishment of four new McLaren retailers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, highlighting the continued progress of this exciting global car company.

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AUDI EXPANDS WITH GT3 RACE SERIES IN ASIA

Audi R8 LMS Cup - Race car

• Races in South Korea, Malaysia and Macau for the first time in 2013. Three races in China
• Larger grid of cars with ex-DTM driver Rahel Frey
•  Audi R8 LMS Cup demonstrates technological expertise in Asian growth region

Audi expands from China into other Asian markets with the Audi R8 LMS Cup. Following the successful premiere season in China in 2012, Audi’s first one-make race series worldwide will now visit circuits in South Korea, Malaysia and Macau. The number of Audi R8 LMS GT3 race cars competing thus increases from 16 to more than 20. As a result, the automobile brand with the four rings gives motorsport in Asia another boost.

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AUDI OPENS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CENTER FOR ASIA IN BEIJING, CHINA

Audi opens Research & Development Center for Asia in Beijing, China

• R&D Center in Beijing reflects the strategic importance of China and Asia
• Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler: “The new Audi R&D Center Asia is an important milestone in the internationalization of Audi’s R&D.”
• Intensified cooperation with the joint venture FAW-Volkswagen in China

BEIJING : February 1, 2013 - With the opening of the new Audi R&D Center Asia in Beijing, AUDI AG is further strengthening its innovation capability in Asia and deepening the cooperation with its partner FAW-Volkswagen in China. The research and development teams will be active in product customization for Asian customers, including electronics and connectivity solutions. The engineers will also develop advanced technologies such as components for new-energy vehicles and efficient powertrains. The center is part of Audi’s global R&D and will closely cooperate with the development departments of FAW-Volkswagen.

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Breaking NEWS : CHINESE STATE INVESTMENT FUND MAY BUY STAKE IN DAIMLER

BEIJING : January 9, 2013 - China's sovereign wealth fund may buy a stake in Daimler AG, the parent of Mercedes-Benz, a China media outlet reported.

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FIRST IMAGES OF QOROS GQ3 COMPACT SALOON: ELEGANT STYLING WITH GERMAN DESIGN INFLUENCES AND ADVANCED INFOTAINMENT

QOROS GQ3

• C-segment saloon to make public debut at 2013 Geneva Motor Show
• Unique style matched by high quality materials and finish
• Spacious interior with high-spec infotainment as standard
• Engineered to achieve top crash test ratings

New independent automotive manufacturer, Qoros, has taken the wraps off the GQ3, the first of a family of all-new models designed and developed by an international team of experienced specialists and new, young talent, specifically for markets in China and Europe.

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Cayenne GTS set to celebrate its world premiere at Auto China in Beijing

Porsche Cayenne GTS

STUTTGART : April 18, 2012 - Porsche will celebrate the world premiere of its SUV Cayenne GTS and present the new generation of the Boxster for the first time in Asia during Auto China in Beijing. The 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition will open its doors to the public on 27 April 2012 and will run until 2 May 2012.

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Audi RS Q3 concept

AUDI RS Q3 Concept

•     Interpretation of a high-performance athlete with 265 kW (360 hp)
•     Powerful 5-cylinder unit combines gasoline direct injection with turbocharging
•     Acceleration to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.2 seconds and top speed of 265 km/h (164.66 mph)

INGOSTADT : April 18, 2012 - At Auto China 2012 in Beijing, Audi is presenting a themed vehicle based on the Q3 – the RS Q3 concept. It interprets the character of the compact SUV in a very special way – systematically dynamic.

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Audi in China: most successful quarter with over 90,000 deliveries

Audi continues its success story in China: The company sold 90,063 automobiles in China and Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2012 – a year-on-year increase of 40 percent. Sales of the Audi Q5 nearly doubled (93 percent) to 20,870 units.  

•     Sales in China rose by 40 percent to 90,063 cars
•     Head of Marketing and Sales, Peter Schwarzenbauer: “New Audi A6L will further boost growth”
•     31,505 vehicles delivered in March sets new record

CHANGCHUN : April 4, 2012 - Audi continues its success story in China: The company sold 90,063 automobiles in China and Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2012 – a year-on-year increase of 40 percent.

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Volkswagen celebrates 20 years of partnership with FAW in China

Volkswagen celebrates 20 years of partnership with FAW in China

• More than 15,000 skilled jobs created in two decades
• Winterkorn: Further growth in “second home of China” expected

WOLFSBURG / CHANGCHUN : August 26, 2011 - One of the Chinese automotive industry’s success stories began twenty years ago: In 1991, Volkswagen and First Automotive Works (FAW) set up the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture. Some 4,500 guests celebrated the joint venture’s 20th anniversary yesterday evening at a ceremony in Changchun. FAW-Volkswagen is currently one of China’s largest automobile manufacturers and has built five million vehicles since operations began. The anniversary vehicle, a “New Magotan”, left the assembly line in Changchun this week. The company expects annual production to top the one million mark for the first time this year.

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Volkswagen given the green light for two plants in China

• Chinese government approves plans for Foshan and Yizheng Planned annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles for each plant

WOLFSBURG/BERLIN : June 28, 2011 - As planned, the Volkswagen Group can build two further automobile plants in China, continuing its long-term growth strategy in the world's largest market for passenger cars. During the German-Chinese government consultations in Berlin, final approval was granted today for the plants to be built at Foshan and Yizheng. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, today signed appropriate declarations together with the Presidents of the Chinese partner organizations.

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SEAT to launch in China, extending its international reach

2011 SEAT Range

• Company to make official presentation this month at the Shanghai Motor Show
• Presentation of SEAT’s most popular models – the IBIZA and LEON

MARTORELL : April 12, 2011 - For the first time in SEAT’s history the company will be present at the Shanghai Motor Show (April 21-28, 2011) as part of the Brand’s strategy of expansion into new markets. The Company’s immediate objective is to establish the Brand in the mind of potential customers before sales begin with the LEON and IBIZA models in 2012.

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Dongfeng Honda to build second Auto Plant in China

Dongfeng-Honda Spirior

WUHAN, China, January 20, 2010 - Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., an automobile production and sales joint venture of Honda in China, announced plans to build a second automobile production plant in order to meet continued growing demand in the Chinese market.


To build the second plant, the company is planning to acquire one million square meters of land, approximately four kilometer northeast of the existing plant, within the Wuhan, Hubei Province, Economic and Technological Development Area where the first plant is based. The new plant is scheduled to become operational in the latter half of 2012 with annual production capacity of 60,000 units. The company envisions the future expansion of production capacity to 240,000 units. The initial investment will be approximately 1.15 billion R.M.B. (approximately 15.4 billion yen*).

Dongfeng Honda’s new plant will accommodate production processes including welding, painting and assembly and is expected to be an advanced plant utilizing production technologies refined at the existing plant, as well as adopting new environmental technologies. In fact, this plant will be the first Honda production plant to generate a portion of the electricity used for production processes from solar panels, which is expected to lead to a reduction of CO2 emissions by approximately 500 tons a year. In addition, the new plant will strive to achieve a significant reduction of CO2 through other measures such as utilization of natural light and waste heat.

Prior to building the second plant, Dongfeng Honda is planning to expand annual production capacity of its existing plant from the current 200,000 units to 240,000 units in early 2010. When the second plant begins production, Dongfeng Honda will have a combined annual production capacity of 300,000 units. In addition, flexible production between the two plants will enable Dongfeng Honda to better fulfill the ever diversifying needs of customers in China.

Dongfeng Honda has been producing the CR-V since April 2004, the Civic since 2006 and the Spirior since August 2009. The company's sales results have continued strong, with 2009 sales of 211,000 units, up 28.2% compared to 2008, achieving a record high for a fifth consecutive year.

When Dongfeng Honda’s second plant begins production, Honda’s overall annual automobile production capacity in China will reach 710,000 units -- 300,000 units at Dongfeng Honda; 360,000 units at Guangzhou Honda; and 50,000 units at Honda Automobile (China), an export automobile production joint venture.

[Source : HONDA]

Shanghai GM introduced Chevrolet New Sail Small Car

2010 Chevrolet Sail - Chinese Market

• First car developed in China by a joint venture
• Best in class fuel economy
• Will be sold in China and exported to other emerging markets

SHANGHAI – Shanghai GM introduced the Chevrolet New Sail sedan, the first passenger car created in China by a Sino-foreign joint venture. The new small car was developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), both GM-SAIC joint ventures. In addition to being sold in China, the New Sail will also be exported to other emerging markets.

Shanghai GM offers five variants of the New Sail with the base model priced from RMB 56,800 (US$8,400) to RMB 68,800 (US$10,100). This marks a breakthrough in the under-RMB 70,000 (US$10,300) small car segment, where Chinese brands have traditionally been dominant. Shanghai GM also began taking orders for the New Sail today.

“Our mission has always been to enable more individuals and families to realize their dream of owning a car,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “With the New Sail, we are setting a new standard for the lower-end small car segment while fully living up to the global standards of Chevrolet, one of the world’s leading vehicle brands. The fact that the New Sail will be exported is a testament to the capabilities of our product development organization in China.”

Class-Leading, Fuel-Efficient Powertrains

The New Sail is available with a choice of class-leading 1.2-liter S-TEC II and 1.4-liter S-TEC III engines. The 1.2-liter engine achieves best in class fuel economy under comprehensive road conditions of 5.7 L/100 km. It also generates power of 64 kW, enabling the New Sail to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.9 seconds. The 1.4-liter engine offers power 76 kW, goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds, and has fuel economy under 5.9 L/100 km.

The engines incorporate the Variable Geometry Intake System (VGIS), which provides smooth power delivery and torque across all engine speeds. Lightweight materials are used in the engine, transmission and body, further increasing fuel efficiency. The optimized friction coefficient in the transmission and tire rolling coefficient reduce energy loss caused by mechanical operation. In line with Shanghai GM’s Drive to Green strategy, both engines meet China’s Phase IV emission standard (as well as the Euro IV standard) and can be upgraded to meet China’s Phase V emission standard.

Even though it is classified as a small car, the New Sail ensures a fun driving experience. Its five-speed manual transmission offers smooth gear shifting. The sporty-looking steering wheel provides pinpoint handling and easy control, while the sporty yet solid chassis provides comfort and excellent handling. The driver enjoys maximum visibility courtesy of the New Sail’s large windshield, seats designed for local users and no-blind-spot rearview mirror.

Stylish Exterior, Spacious Interior

Like other vehicles wearing the Chevrolet bowtie, the New Sail is sporty, enjoyable to drive and offers good value for money. The New Sail features Chevrolet’s trademark horizontal split grille with the gold Chevrolet emblem showcased in the middle. Three muscular sidelines provide the car a three-dimensional look. A unique short-in-front, long-in-back suspension brings a sporty edge to the exterior. The streamlined shape of the vehicle adds a dynamic styling element while reducing drag, for lower fuel consumption. The New Sail is initially available in six exterior colors: Crescent Silver, Jasmine White, Sky Blue, Coral Red, Amber Orange and Starfish Blue.

The interior is likewise unique and all Chevrolet. It includes the brand’s twin-cockpit design as well as a flexible, modern central control panel equipped with a radio, CD player and MP3 interface. Designers have added a sporty touch through a double-digital screen and chrome plating. The New Sail’s adoption of a central fuel tank, a short front and rear suspension, and arch-shaped doors maximizes interior space for up to five people. There are 24 interior storage compartments for added convenience.

Advanced Safety

The New Sail is expected to achieve four stars in China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) testing. The New Sail’s safety cage construction with crumple zones offers class-leading passenger protection. A steel frame surrounds the fuel tanks, for added safety. Dual air bags in front, a retractable steering column, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, child safety locks and a stronger child seat system are standard. The New Sail also offers outstanding pedestrian protection.

Developed in China for Emerging Markets

The New Sail was jointly developed by Shanghai GM and PATAC off a new architecture in accordance with GM’s Global Vehicle Development Process (GVDP) and worldwide standards for engineering and quality. The development team for the New Sail factored in local climate and driving conditions as well as local fuel quality and Chinese driving habits in the new model’s design. The vehicle’s assembly followed the DTS global C-BOB (best of best) standard.

The New Sail was put through more than 2 million kilometers of testing in extreme hot and cold weather conditions.

To ensure that parts and components meet Chevrolet’s international standards in terms of quality, service, technology and price, 95 percent of components were supplied by members of GM’s global supply chain, with more than 40 percent coming from industry-leading component groups or their joint ventures.

GM’s global quality management processes and regulations were also applied in R&D, procurement, quality recognition and manufacturing. Shanghai GM’s paint shop adopted Generation 6 Zero-Emission Painting for the New Sail. The vehicle meets all European Union environmental protection standards in terms of heavy metal proportion and the recycling rate of the full vehicle.

World-class Chevrolet Gold Tie Service will be offered to New Sail buyers by Shanghai GM. Approximately 380 dealers in more than 200 cities across China will offer customers nine free services as well as 24-hour emergency assistance.

According to Shanghai GM President Ding Lei, “Several years ago, Shanghai GM made the strategic decision to broaden our customer base by developing the New Sail. We improved cost efficiency while setting new quality, fuel efficiency and value standards for economical family cars. With the arrival of the New Sail, we now have an entry in every major passenger car segment.”

Images : 2010 Chevrolet Sail

[Source : GM-Chevrolet]

GM Sales in China Jump 66.9% in 2009 to All-Time High, Continue to Lead the Industry

2010 Buick Regal - Chinese Market Version

• 1,826,424 units sold in 2009, achieving year-end market share record of 13.4%
• Builds on forward-looking strategy of rolling out new products with improved fuel economy
• Ongoing expansion and investment position GM for long-term success

SHANGHAI : January 4, 2010 – GM and its joint ventures in China announced today that their domestic sales jumped 66.9 percent in 2009 to a record 1,826,424 units. Based on bullish sales of Buick, Chevrolet and Wuling vehicles, the GM China family achieved an estimated market share of 13.4 percent, another year-end record and an improvement of 1.3 percentage points from the end of 2008.


The strong year-end results were possible in part because of record December sales by GM’s Shanghai GM and SAIC-GM-Wuling joint ventures and the addition of sales from its new FAW-GM joint venture.

Modern products

“We are proud of our performance in 2009,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “Chinese consumers responded enthusiastically to our lineup of modern, fuel-efficient and stylish products, validating our strategy of rolling out a steady cadence of great vehicles that are leaders in their respective segments. This is part of GM’s global strategy of focusing on designing, building and selling the world’s best products.”

In 2009, as part of GM’s aggressive product launch strategy, GM and its joint ventures in China introduced several new and upgraded models to keep up with strong industry demand, including the new Buick LaCROSSE and New Regal turbo series; the Chevrolet Cruze; and the new Cadillac SLS and SRX. In addition, GM continued to bring to China its latest technology such as the new 1.2-liter engine in the Chevrolet Spark and ECOTEC 1.6-liter DVVT engine in the Chevrolet Cruze. Both powertrains made the list of the 10 best engines in China for 2009.

Growing investment

GM and its joint ventures continued increasing their investment in China to help position themselves for long-term success. To provide better service to local customers, Shanghai OnStar initiated in-vehicle safety, security and communication services. It welcomed its first subscriber in China on December 20. In addition, the GM China Science Lab was launched and PATAC opened its new vehicle safety lab. Shanghai GM broke ground on China’s largest proving ground in Anhui province, SAIC-GM-Wuling opened a new engine plant in Qingdao, and GM China moved to new offices in Shanghai, sharing space with the GM International Operations headquarters and the Center for Advanced Research and Science.

To maintain its growth, the GM China family continued to expand. In the middle of the year, GM launched an important new partnership with FAW, FAW-GM, which has given GM a presence in the light commercial vehicle segment. In December, GM and SAIC Motor announced the establishment of a new 50-50 joint venture investment company, General Motors SAIC Investment Ltd., to capture business opportunities in Asia’s emerging markets.

The joint global automobile partners of World Expo 2010 Shanghai, GM and SAIC, built their corporate pavilion. GM and SAIC will be jointly showcasing their vision for the future of urban transportation called “Drive to 2030.” GM will highlight its advances and leadership in vehicle electrification and connectivity technology.

Record Buick, Chevrolet and Wuling sales

Domestic sales by Shanghai GM rose 63.3 percent to 727,620 units in 2009. The passenger car joint venture was once again led by its original brand, Buick, which experienced sales growth of 59.6 percent year on year to 447,011 units. The Excelle, which sold 241,109 units, remained the brand’s bestseller for the sixth consecutive year. Further contributing to the resurgence of Buick in China were the New Regal, which generated sales of 79,930 units, and the new LaCROSSE, which generated sales of 43,429 units in just six months on the market.

Chevrolet sales in China likewise experienced strong growth, with 332,774 units sold – an increase of 67.1 percent from 2008. The Cruze, GM’s new global compact car, enjoyed great success in China, with sales of 92,190 units despite being on the market only nine months. In addition, the Lova had sales of 118,935 units.

In 2009, SAIC-GM-Wuling became the first automaker in China to sell more than 1 million vehicles in a year, increasing its domestic sales by 63.9 percent to 1,061,213 units. With sales of 596,630 units, the Wuling Sunshine set a Chinese industry record for annual sales by a single model.

FAW-GM sold 34,510 light commercial vehicles in the four months after its establishment in August 2009 and began construction of a new assembly plant in Ha’erbin.

According to Wale, “As China asserts itself as the world’s largest vehicle market, our domestic operations will be counted on to deliver solid results. We will continue to introduce cutting-edge products that are leaders in their segments in fuel economy, quality and styling.”

Wale expressed optimism about the 2010 outlook. “Despite the sales records in 2009, it looks as if 2010 will be even stronger. The industry outlook is strong and we expect more growth, albeit on a somewhat slower pace. It is our intent to keep up with that growth and make sure we defend our leadership position. GM has all the tools in place to have another great year in China.”

[Source : GM]

BMW Group to build second plant in China with joint venture partner Brilliance Automotive Holdings Limited

Wu Xiaoan, Chairman of BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA), after the signing of the Investment Agreement with Shenyang city government in Beijing on 12th November 2009 regarding the construction of a second plant in China

SHENYANG/BEIJING : November 12, 2009 - At a ceremony held in Beijing on Thursday, the BMW Group and Brilliance Automotive Holdings Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build a second production plant at the Shenyang site. The investment volume for the new plant amounts to 560 million euros. Construction work is scheduled to begin in 2010, with the start of production slated for early 2012.


“Brilliance Automotive Holdings Limited is a reliable joint venture partner with whom we have already worked successfully for more than six years. Our plant has reached its capacity limit – so we are now taking the next step. The decision to build a second plant demonstrates that we are investing in our future in China and that we intend to participate in the strong growth in the Chinese market,” stated Friedrich Eichiner, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for finance and vice chairman of BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA). “It is also an important strategic step towards reducing our exposure to currency fluctuations,” Eichiner added.

The joint venture has produced BMW 3 Series and 5 Series vehicles since 2003. A total of approximately 150,000 vehicles have so far rolled off the assembly line, with 450 million euros invested since the joint venture was founded. In a first step, the annual production capacity will be increased from 41.000 to 75.000 units. Upon completion of the second plant there will be a total annual production capacity of 100,000 units. Around 1,000 further jobs will be added to the 3,300 existing jobs in Shenyang.

China is the BMW Group’s fourth largest market. The company has maintained its growth in the country throughout 2009 and in October reported an increase of 81% over the same period last year to 9,558 units. The BMW Group sold 71,952 vehicles (52,622 / +36.7 %) in the first ten months of the year, already exceeding the retail volume for 2008 as a whole. Eichiner: “We are aiming to set a new sales record in China in 2009.”

[Source : BMW]

Lamborghini strengthens its position in China by opening two new showrooms in Beijing and Hangzhou

Lamborghini Beijing

BEIJING : November 7, 2009 - Automobili Lamborghini is strengthening its position on the Chinese market by opening a new dealership in Hangzhou and a new showroom location for its Beijing dealership, which has recently been expanded and is now the largest sales outlet for the Raging Bull brand in Asia.


These newly opened facilities are part of the Sant’ Agata Bolognese-based company’s growth strategy for its worldwide commercial network, and reflects the success already achieved in China, where it has 7 dealers in Guangzhou Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xiamen and Hong Kong.

Lamborghini in China

Automobili Lamborghini has turned in a constant sales growth in the Chinese market. During the first ten months of 2009, sales in China increased by 23,1% (with 64 cars delivered), and by the end of the year Lamborghini expects to reach the record number of 80 sold units, as compared with 72 in 2008.
In overall terms, 26,8% of Automobili Lamborghini’s total sales during the last fiscal year was achieved in the Asia-Pacific area, compared with 22,8% the previous year.

This respectable sales performance on the Chinese market can be attributed to not only the expansion of the distribution network, but also to the marketing and communication strategy implemented in China. For example, more than 300 potential customers and over 200 specialist journalists tested and enjoyed the performance of the Gallardo LP 560-4 and the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce at the Shanghai International Auto Show and in recent track events organized by Automobili Lamborghini in China.

“With its speedy economic development, China has attracted the attention of the entire world. And, the strength of this Asian economy continues to provide strong potential in terms of new growth,” commented Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini SpA. “Demand for high-end automobiles has increased suddenly over the past few years, and more and more prosperous citizens of the People’s Republic are showing they are mesmerized by the extreme, uncompromising design of our brand. No other car offers the incomparable excitement of a Lamborghini to this particularly young target group.”

The new sales outlet in the Chinese capital is located in an area considered to be a showcase for luxury cars on famous Jinbao Street, which is known as one of the most important avenues for luxury shopping in the world. The Beijing showroom extends over two floors and has a total surface area of around 700 square meters. It is operated by the Hong Kong-based Sparkle Roll Group Limited, which specializes in the distribution of high-end luxury products, including sports cars.

[Source : LAMBORGHINI]

Shanghai Volkswagen: Five million vehicles produced

Shanghai Volkswagen : Five million vehicles produced

• 25 years of the Group’s first German-Chinese joint venture
  
• Volkswagen Board of Management Member Neumann: Growth in China from new products and expanded production

SHANGHAI / WOLFSBURG : October 15, 2009 - Volkswagen will continue its systematic growth course in China. This was announced by Dr. Horst Neumann, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG for Human Resources, in Shanghai on Thursday, the day when the five millionth vehicle produced by Shanghai Volkswagen (SVW) left the assembly line. The occasion also marked the 25th anniversary of the Volkswagen Group’s first German-Chinese joint venture. Dr. Neumann said: “The Group is investing a total of four billion euros in new products and production capacity expansion between 2009 and 2011 in order to extend Volkswagen’s market leadership in China further.”


These investments will be financed from the cash flow of both Volkswagen joint ventures. Together with FAW-Volkswagen in Changchun, the second joint venture, the Group has delivered more than eight million vehicles from the Volkswagen, Audi and Škoda brands in China since 1984. The President and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, Dr. Winfried Vahland, commented: "Shanghai Volkswagen has delivered an outstanding performance in 25 years. Today the joint venture has the largest and most modern car manufacturing capabilities in China. Our growth course in this market plays an important role in achieving the ambitious targets of the Volkswagen Group as it heads towards becoming the world’s number one automaker."

Dr. Neumann said: "Established in October 1984, Shanghai Volkswagen was one of the first joint ventures to be set up as China opened its economy. Volkswagen’s commitment was a far-sighted decision." He added that the success of Shanghai Volkswagen was closely linked with the development of its employees. "As an attractive international employer, Volkswagen also focuses on fostering the competences of its employees in China," Dr. Neumann emphasized. Shanghai Volkswagen has frequently been recognized as an attractive employer. The joint venture was named one of the "Best Companies to Work for in China" in 2007.

Over the last 25 years, SVW has increased its share capital from 160 million to 11.5 billion RMB (1.13 billion euros). Total assets have grown from 350 million to 32.3 billion RMB (3.18 billion euros). Shanghai Volkswagen with its headquarters in Anting International Auto City has four vehicle production plants, one engine plant, a technology center and a design center. The SVW product range includes a total of eleven models from the Volkswagen brand (Polo Jinqing, Polo Jinqu, Cross Polo, Lavida, Santana, Santana Vista, Passat New Lingyu and Touran) and Škoda brand (Fabia, Octavia und Superb).

SVW passed the one million vehicle mark in 1998. Further milestones on the way to today’s production anniversary of five million vehicles came in June 2002 (two million), July 2005 (three million) and January 2008 (four million).

[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]

Audi opens new assembly hall in Changchun

The new Audi assembly hall in Changchun

• Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler: “Continuation of our growth strategy in China”
  
• Expansion of production capacities to 200,000 vehicles per year
  
• Production of the Audi Q5 starts in fall 2009

CHANGCHUN/INGOLSTADT : September 19, 2009 - Together with its Chinese joint-venture partner FAW, Audi opened a new assembly hall today at the existing plant premises of FAW-VW in Changchun. The long-wheelbase Audi A4 and the Audi Q5 will be produced in this hall, which spans some 82,000 square meters (883,000 square feet). The capital expenditure amounts to around 100 million euros.

Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for production, Frank Dreves, in occasion of the opening ceremony for the new assembly hall in Changchun

“This substantial increase in our production capacities will fuel our continued growth and boost China’s position as a strategically important market,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. He added that the company aims to sell 200,000 premium cars annually in China by 2015. “The expansion of our production capacities is a key mile marker along the route to this destination,” emphasizes Mr. Stadler.

Mr. An Tiecheng, President of FAW-VW, adds: “Changchun was China’s very first production site for premium vehicles. Today’s opening of this assembly hall paves the way for further innovation and sets a new standard in China's automotive industry."

Representatives of FAW, FAW-VW and AUDI AG at the launch ceremony of the new Audi assembly hall in Changchun

The assembly hall was constructed in nine months and, following the pre-production phase, will begin series production just 14 months after the original construction work started. Virtual planning made it possible to design and simulate everything in advance – from the building’s design to materials-handling technology and plant equipment.

The new assembly hall thus satisfies the requirements of Audi’s globally standardized production system. This means that all logistics processes are integrated within assembly procedures; components are prepared as needed adjacent to the production line before entering the workflow. Cutting-edge techniques also play pivotal roles. The so-called marriage is just one example: a vehicle body and a chassis are joined and bolted by automated means.


In addition to the reliable and quality-optimized manufacturing processes, Frank Dreves, Member of the Board of Management for Production at AUDI AG, is especially fond of the workstations’ design. “Ergonomics also played a central role during the planning phase of the new assembly hall in Changchun. Height-adjustable materials-handling technology, for example, enables every one of our employees to maintain an optimal stance for working efficiently. That, in turn, ensures the excellence of our products,” underscores Mr. Dreves.

Audi staff is celebrating the opening of the new assembly hall in Changchun

By opening this new assembly hall, Audi is continuing the success story it began 21 years ago in China. The brand is now market leader in the local premium segment; Audi sold 119,598 vehicles last year in China (including Hong Kong). From January through August 2009, 93,610 customers in China purchased a new Audi – which equates to year-on-year growth of 17.4 percent.

In addition to increasing production capacities, Audi will expand its exclusive network of dealerships and service facilities in China to include more than 200 locations by 2015. China currently has 139 Audi dealerships and 14 Audi terminals in a total of 95 cities.

[Source : AUDI]