Audi splits Chinese JVs between AUDI and four-ring brands

SHANGHAI/BEIJING, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Audi on Monday divided the branding of its Chinese joint ventures, with SAIC Audi specialising in the four-letter, all-caps ​AUDI name while FAW Audi will continue to develop and market vehicles under Audi's traditional four-ring logo.

In a statement on its WeChat account, Audi, a premium Volkswagen subsidiary, said:

• Audi is formalising a dual-brand strategy in China to better address the shift toward intelligent mobility and electrification

• SAIC Audi will be dedicated to developing, producing and selling four-letter AUDI-branded vehicles. It will sell four-ring Audi cars until the end of 2027

• FAW Audi will focus on four-ring models including the next generation of intelligent combustion engine vehicles

• Audi says the split will enable faster decision-making, more targeted product development and customer experiences

(Reporting by Zhang Yan, Qiaoyi Li and Ju-min ParkEditing by Keith Weir)