Under the bright lights of the 2024 Guangzhou auto show, tennis sensation and Paris Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen took center stage as the newly minted brand ambassador of AUDI.German premium carmaker Audi launched this revolutionary new premium electric vehicle brand in Shanghai just a week earlier. By blending German engineering precision with Chinese ingenuity, the brand is poised to appeal to the unique preferences of young, confident, tech-savvy and sustainability-conscious consumers."With our new EV brand AUDI, we are breaking new ground again to define the next era of mobility with 'Vorsprung durch Technik," said Gernot Doellner, chairman of the board of management of Audi AG. “Our new products will embody the best of both worlds — Audi DNA and Chinese innovation,” he added.Zheng’s appointment was more than a celebrity endorsement, it was a statement of the new marque’s vision and commitment to connecting with China's dynamic, youthful audience.This sentiment was echoed by Fermin Soneira, CEO of the Audi and SAIC Cooperation Project. "Zheng embodies the spirit of AUDI: pioneering, courageous and expressive," he explained. "Her achievements and determination resonate deeply with our vision for the future of mobility."The AUDI E concept, presented alongside Zheng at the auto show, gives a glimpse of the production model to come. Following its initial debut in Shanghai just days earlier, it returned to the spotlight in Guangzhou, offering audiences another glimpse of the future of driving."For me, the AUDI E concept truly reflects Audi's understanding of the aspirations of my generation,” Zheng said, standing beside the sleek new concept car. “I am honored to represent this bold and innovative brand."The foundation for AUDI's future models tailored for the Chinese market, as represented by the AUDI E concept, is the Advanced Digitized Platform codeveloped by Audi and SAIC. "This partnership brings together the best of both worlds: Audi's expertise in chassis technology, driving capabilities, design and materials with SAIC's China-specific technology and ecosystem input. It's a perfect partnership for this market," said Doellner.The AUDI E concept, as with all future models built on the Advanced Digitized Platform, inherits Audi DNA, with premium driving performance, distinctive Audi design language and premium experiences powered by more digitalization and personalization.Its dual-motor quattro drivetrain delivers 570 kilowatts of power, enabling acceleration from 0-100 kilometers per hour in just 3.6 seconds. Meanwhile, its 100-kilowatt-hour battery offers an impressive range of over 700 kilometers, with rapid charging capabilities that provide 370 km of range in just 10 minutes.The AUDI E concept's exterior design is a study in minimalism and functionality. Featuring smooth lines and an aerodynamic silhouette, it stands as a new interpretation of Audi's iconic design language. The black loop, which houses sensors and lighting, highlights its technical sophistication while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.The car is designed to be unforgettable, from its innovative lighting systems to its striking proportions, capturing the essence of motion and emotion.The interior, too, tells a story of innovation and comfort. Inspired by traditional Chinese aesthetics, it features 3D lamella wood accents and indirect natural lighting to create a tranquil, inviting space. Smart technologies like the AUDI operating system and the AI-powered AUDI Assistant make interaction intuitive and personal.The AUDI Assistant, described as "humanizing technology", adapts to user preferences over time. With intelligent voice and touch interactions, it serves as a charismatic and emotive companion for every journey.Zheng's role as AUDI's ambassador ties together the brand’s bold ambitions with the aspirations of its audience. Known for her tenacity on the court and her charm off it, she embodies AUDI's core values of courage, innovation and expressiveness, said AUDI."Her inspiration among the younger generation makes her the ideal ambassador to connect with AUDI's target audience, particularly in China, the pacesetter of the global automotive transformation," it said.For Zheng, the partnership is meaningful. "AUDI understands the preferences and values of the young Chinese generation," she said. "I'm honored and delighted to represent AUDI as brand ambassador and embark on this exciting journey from day one."While Guangzhou witnessed the partnership with Zheng, the roots of AUDI's journey were firmly planted in Shanghai. The AUDI E concept, introduced there for the first time, encapsulated the brand's vision: a commitment to shaping premium mobility through innovation, sustainability and design.At its core, AUDI reflects Audi's legacy of progress while pushing boundaries for the future. This ethos is evident in every aspect of the AUDI E concept, from its panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with natural light to its fragrance diffuser, which offers passengers a multisensory experience."Our goal was to create a car that's not just a mode of transport but a lifestyle, Soneira said.As AUDI prepares to launch new models, the brand's ambitions extend beyond the AUDI E concept. The Advanced Digitized Platform will accommodate various vehicle types, ensuring versatility and adaptability for years to come. Three new models, including a B-segment model, an SUV and a large sedan, are planned for the next three years, with the first model to be presented in 2025."Our ambition is to lead with our next generations of premium ICV models," Doellner said. "These new premium, intelligent electric vehicles will perfectly complement and enlarge Audi's existing product portfolio in China."From Shanghai to Guangzhou, AUDI's ambition to lead in the world's largest auto market is becoming clearer, as its newly appointed brand ambassador does on the world's tennis courts.Standing onstage was a smiling Zheng, exuding charm and confidence — qualities shaped by her genius, optimism, hard work and resilience — all of which resonate with the essence of the new AUDI marque.Advertorial
