Cars

Joint lab unveils Audi all-electric concept car

By Xu Xiao (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-11-08 14:00

SHANGHAI - Research and development by the Tongji Joint Lab has produced an all-electric concept car named Urban Morning Light that can run 130 kilometers on a single charge.

Founded to develop an electric Audi A6L, the lab is a cooperative effort between FAW-Volkswagen, Audi and Tongji University.

A ceremony on Oct 30 unveiled the zero-emission auto. Audi Chairman Rubert Stadler, FAW-Volkswagen President An Tiecheng, Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang, and other high-ranking Chinese officials attended the event.

Tongji University was responsible for R&D of the electric drive system on the model, which can reach a top speed of 138 km/h.

For their part, Audi and FAW-Volkswagen focused on improvements to the existing A6L production model.

"The partnership with Tongji best exemplifies FAW-Volkswagen and Audi's efforts in sustainable development in China," said Stadler.

He said Audi is closely following China's efforts in new-energy vehicles and is lending its support.

He also cited the luxury carmaker's quattro all-wheel-drive and FSI direct injection systems that use the latest technology to save fuel and better protect the environment.

Another innovation is the Audi Space Frame that uses aluminum instead of steel to increase stiffness for enhanced handling while reducing body weight nearly 40 percent.

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With local production for 22 years, Audi is a pioneer in localizing its cutting-edge technologies.

Audi now produces the A4L, A6L and Q5 in Changchun in Jilin province of North China with its joint venture partner FAW.

The luxury carmaker aims to accelerate localization by introducing its hybrid and purely electric cars to the Chinese market in the next few years to complete its product line and retain its leadership in the luxury vehicle market, said Stadler.

On Oct 20, Audi sold its 2 millionth car in China, a record for a luxury brand in the country.

In the first nine months of 2010, Audi delivered about 175,000 cars to Chinese customers, making it undisputed market leader in the premium segment.