Volkswagen and SAIC have inked a series of technical cooperation agreements aimed at developing new electric vehicle (EV) products under their longstanding Chinese joint venture. The collaboration will focus on creating two all-electric models and three plug-in hybrid models set to debut between 2026 and 2030 in both China and Germany.
The agreements, signed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of their joint venture, aim to enhance technological integration and herald a new phase of cooperation. Until now, SAIC has predominantly offered modified versions of Volkswagen’s MEB modular system models in China, such as the ID.3 and ID.4, with minimal alterations and occasional battery substitutions, achieving limited success in the market.
According to a press release from SAIC, the upcoming EVs and PHEVs are intended to “jointly ‘technologically strengthen’ the joint venture and open a new chapter of joint venture cooperation.” Specific details about the models and the platform they will utilize have not been disclosed, but the focus remains on collaborative development rather than relying solely on existing VW or SAIC platforms.
Ralf Brandstätter, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group China, emphasized the strategic significance of strengthening cooperation with SAIC to advance electrification efforts in China’s competitive EV market. “We are expanding the range of all-electric, intelligently connected vehicles and focusing on accelerating the offering in the continuously growing plug-in hybrid vehicle segment to provide consumers with a more attractive product choice,” Brandstätter stated.
SAIC Motor Chairman Chen Hong reiterated the company’s commitment to new energy vehicles, highlighting technological innovation and market-oriented strategies. “As pioneers, we have successfully introduced seven major technology bases to create a new technological life body with a strong heart, a strong body, and an intelligent brain for the future,” Chen affirmed. He emphasized ongoing collaboration to bolster SAIC Volkswagen’s technological prowess and promote mutual innovation and cooperation.
