Volkswagen Group’s new sub-brand will debut its first production model at Auto Shanghai.

Audi has been a staple of China’s luxury car market for decades, but with local automakers gaining ground, the German brand is shifting gears. To stay competitive, Volkswagen Group is launching a China-exclusive sub-brand called AUDI — yes, in all caps — focused solely on electric vehicles. The first production model will be revealed at Auto Shanghai on April 23, marking the beginning of an ambitious plan to establish AUDI as a major player in the world’s largest car market.

Unlike the Audi models sold globally, AUDI vehicles won’t feature the brand’s iconic Four Rings emblem. Instead, the cars will sport a bold “AUDI” script across the front, signaling a new identity. This isn’t just a marketing tweak — these models are being developed in collaboration with SAIC, a major Chinese automaker, allowing for faster development times and designs tailored specifically for Chinese consumers.