German carmaker Audi is expanding its research and development capacities in China, broadening its scope, enlarging the local Audi China team and establishing a new company R&D facility in Beijing.

The expanded Audi China R&D team will work in close alignment with AUDI AG, investing in smart cockpit technologies, innovative display concepts, intelligent voice control systems, and connectivity solutions, according to the automaker.

The development team is also working on brand-shaping user interfaces and experience designs as well as China-specific vehicle designs. In addition, the R&D team and its German counterpart will collaborate on designing and developing product features for new electronic architectures, including advanced driver assistance systems and automated driver systems.

The new Audi China Building, located in the heart of Beijing’s North Central Business District, spans more than 6,000 sqm (64,500 sq. ft) across five floors and accommodates all AUDI China R&D departments with end-to-end vehicle development capabilities.  

In a dedicated area, the design facility employs advanced digital tools such as VR headsets and digital drawing tablets to create the car designs of the future. The building also includes two workshops, design and electronics labs, and a public showroom.

“Both the new R&D center in Beijing and the Audi FAW NEV Company in Changchun clearly prove the progress in transforming Audi’s business in China. With both projects, we are addressing the market-defining trends in the Chinese auto market, namely: electrification, digitalization, and sustainability,” says Audi CEO Markus Duesmann.

Audi China President Dr. Jürgen Unser: “The new Audi China Building marks a major milestone in the 34-year history of Audi in China, underlining our commitment to the Chinese market.”

In addition to the Audi China R&D facilities, the carmaker’s world-wide development network sites in Germany, Hungary, and Mexico, as well as design studios in the U.S.