Thomas Schäfer’s Post

🎉 Did you know Volkswagen is doubling down on its EV strategy in China? They just launched a new sub-brand, ID.Unyx, within their existing ID.UX brand! 🚗⚡️ #Innovation #ElectricVehicles 🌏 Volkswagen's bold move showcases its commitment to the Chinese market by introducing ID.Unyx, a China-exclusive EV sub-brand. This strategic expansion adds five new electric vehicle models, illustrating VW's adaptation to the competitive EV landscape in China. 🔌🌍 💡 Why is this important for businesses? Diversifying with tailored sub-brands can be key to capturing and growing in high-potential markets. Volkswagen's tailored approach in China could set a roadmap for global companies looking to expand in regional markets. 🔄 How can businesses leverage localized sub-brands in your industry? Do you see the potential in developing region-specific brands for your products or services? Share your thoughts or give a 👍 or 👎 below! #AutomotiveIndustry #SustainableTransport #BusinessStrategy #MarketExpansion #Volkswagen #IDUnyx #ChinaMarket Focus

🚗 The most important #automotive event, the Beijing auto show shone with well over 100 new models showcased. The industry giants from #SAIC to newcomers like Huawei and Xiaomi Technology were there. Notably, 30 foreign brands made a strong showing, aiming to capture China's lucrative market. German heavyweights Volkswagen Group, BMW Group, and Mercedes-Benz AG strove for attention, while Japanese, South Korean, and British brands also made their mark. 📌 Among the 117 world premieres were at least five standout hits: 1️⃣ VW ID Code: A sleek concept #SUV tailored for Chinese tastes, signaling a potential design shift for VW's ID lineup. 2️⃣ Mini Aceman: Embodying the original #Mini's ethos, its electric powertrain maximizes interior space without sacrificing agility. 3️⃣ Changan E07: This innovative sedan combines cool design with a versatile & innovative rear, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. 4️⃣ Denza Z9GT: #BYD's luxury arm showcases distinctive design, breaking away from #Porsche-inspired looks by competitors. 5️⃣ Xiaomi SU7: #Xiaomi's debut car, resembling a Chinese take on Porsche models, garnered impressive pre-orders and sales. With 41 concept cars and 278 #electric models, the Beijing auto show underscores China's pivotal role in shaping the #global #automotive future! #BeijingAutoShow #Innovation #FutureOfMobility #OEMs🚀🌏 https://lnkd.in/eyZgfqwM

Audi's Bold Move: Ditching the Four Rings for New EVs in China - Genius or Gamble? Just in: Audi is reportedly dropping its iconic four-ring logo on new electric vehicles specifically designed for the Chinese market! This news, reported by Automotive News Europe, comes as Chinese automakers are increasingly winning over local consumers with their tech-forward EVs. Is this a brilliant strategic pivot or a risky move that could jeopardize Audi's legacy? 🤔 >>Here's why this move is making waves: --- Intensifying Competition: Chinese EV brands are gaining ground fast, forcing established players like Audi to adapt. --- Nationalist Sentiment: Chinese consumers are showing a preference for homegrown brands, putting pressure on foreign automakers. --- Rebranding Opportunity: This could be Audi's chance to reinvent itself in China and appeal to a new generation of EV buyers. >>The Potential Benefits: --- A Fresh Start: A new logo could symbolize a fresh start and distance Audi from its traditional image, allowing them to connect with a younger, tech-savvy audience. --- Tailored Branding: This move could signify a dedication to understanding and catering to the unique preferences of the Chinese market. --- Standing Out: In a crowded market, a distinctive brand identity could help Audi cut through the noise and capture attention. >>The Potential Risks: --- Diluted Brand Identity: The four rings are globally recognized; removing them could weaken Audi's brand equity. --- Market Confusion: A different logo in China could create inconsistencies and confuse consumers about Audi's global brand identity. --- The Importance of the Product: A new logo alone won't guarantee success; the EVs themselves need to deliver on quality and innovation. >>My Take: This is a bold move by Audi, and the outcome remains to be seen. While the potential benefits are significant, the risks cannot be ignored. Ultimately, the success of this strategy hinges on the quality and appeal of the EVs they introduce to the Chinese market. What do you think? Is Audi making the right call? Share your insights and join the conversation! #Audi #EV #China #Branding #AutomotiveIndustry #Innovation #Disruption #AutomotiveNews #FutureofMobility ➡️ Like and share if you found this insightful! ➡️ Follow me for more updates on the automotive industry. https://lnkd.in/gXacVUDX

🚗 Is Audi Going to Drop Its 4-Ring Logo for Sales in China? 🚗 Audi's iconic four-ring logo may soon be a thing of the past in China. The luxury carmaker is considering a significant branding shift to boost its sagging sales in the world's largest auto market. The company aims to align more closely with local tastes and preferences. 📉 Low Sales Numbers: Audi's sales in China have been disappointing, with tech-savvy customers increasingly avoiding the brand. Audi sold less than 10,000 EVs in China in the first six months of 2024. 🌟 Strong Domestic Players: Competition from domestic players like NIO, Xpeng, and Li Auto, which offer cutting-edge technology and innovative features, has intensified. They sold almost 8 times more vehicles than AUDI in China. 💬 Customer Sentiments: Changing consumer preferences and a desire for more modern, tech-forward brands have contributed to Audi's struggles. To address these challenges, Audi is taking bold steps: 🤝 Platform Sharing with SAIC: Audi is collaborating with SAIC Motor to share platforms, aiming to reduce costs and increase efficiency. 🔋 Batteries from CATL: The company is also sourcing batteries from CATL, a leading Chinese battery manufacturer, to enhance the performance and range of its electric vehicles. 🌟 New Logo: Audi is even considering a logo for its joint venture, signaling a fresh start and a new identity in the Chinese market. What do you think about Audi's potential rebranding in China? Will it help the company reclaim its market share, or is it too little, too late? Share your thoughts below! 💭 #Audi #China #AutomotiveIndustry #ElectricVehicles #Branding #BusinessStrategy #Innovation #AutomotiveNews https://lnkd.in/gByvScqK

After 17 years and 7.4 million units produced, the best-selling SUV is entering its third generation. The new Tiguan brings enhanced technology, comfort and design. Let's take a trip down memory lane and discover how it evolved to be the car millions of drivers know and love today. The Tiguan story started off at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2006, with the conveniently named Concept Tiguan concept car. The name ‘Tiguan’ was decided as part of a poll of more than 350,000 readers of magazines in the AutoBild group.   The boldly designed orange concept was near-production ready, and previewed the Tiguan which was less than a year away. Part of the core features on the concept was the ‘face’ and side design of the car which are instantly recognisable as a Volkswagen. If you squint, you can see design elements from other Volkswagen models from the time period – for example the rear light design was inspired by the contemporary Passat and Eos models. Interestingly, the Concept Tiguan featured a BLUETEC diesel engine. This was designed in partnership with Audi and Mercedes-Benz. #volkswagen #vw #tiguan #memorylane

Volkswagen is gearing up to unveil an intriguing concept car at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, signaling a new era in automotive design. With a focus on modern aesthetics and enhanced visual appeal, the concept hints at a unified visual identity across Volkswagen's future electric vehicles. These teasers underscore Volkswagen's commitment to innovation and its anticipation of the evolving automotive landscape. Excitement is building as enthusiasts await the official unveiling of these mysterious models, poised to redefine Volkswagen's presence in the Chinese market and beyond. Key Highlights - Volkswagen is set to reveal a new concept car at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, tailored for the Chinese market. - The teaser image suggests a streamlined five-door silhouette with a shooting brake or sporty estate design, featuring an aerodynamic roofline and pronounced fenders. - The concept car represents Volkswagen's efforts to deliver future electric vehicles with modern aesthetics and enhanced visual flair for the Chinese market. - The teaser hints at a shift towards establishing a unified visual identity across different Volkswagen vehicles, aligning with the brand's innovation and automotive design direction. https://lnkd.in/gqP26G7w #Volkswagen #BeijingAutoShow #ConceptCar #AutomotiveDesign #ElectricVehicles #Innovation #CarTeaser #ChineseMarket #FutureMobility #AutomotiveIndustry #VisualAppeal #ConceptReveal #ShootingBrake #StreamlinedDesign #CarEnthusiasts #CarTechnology #VWConcept #CarDesign #AutoShow #ElectricFuture

Talk about starting my new role with a bang! It’s been an absolute honour to be in #China for the market launch of the first car from our all-#electric joint venture in #Anhui. The new Volkswagen ID. UNYX sets a new benchmark in China: for future automotive design, and for the new era of intelligent, connected, personalised experiences. Produced at the #Volkswagen Smart Mobility Hub, our first smart electric #SUV coupé is packed with personality, technology and #VW DNA – but with an entirely new spin that will unlock trend-setting new Chinese #customer groups. Can you tell I’m excited? Here are a few reasons why: ➡ Super intuitive, it features a new #HMI, Large Language Model and 3D Avatar that uses Voice Clone – so you can create a lifelike digital version of yourself. ➡ With striking gold elements throughout, the #design is distinctive, expressive and powerful – and just wait until you see the lights come to life after dark. ➡ It is safe, sustainable, high #quality and fantastically engineered. ➡ During #durability tests it covered 3.5 million kilometres. ➡ We conducted no fewer than 436 #battery safety tests. ➡ It has a segment-leading nine #airbags. ➡ It has a #turning radius of just 4.7 metres! My colleagues in China have been busy conducting test drives, product workshops and factory tours – each showcasing Volkswagen’s deep understanding of what Chinese customers want. 👍

🚗 Rev and Shift Update! 🚗 Exciting news for all motoring enthusiasts! Audi has made a strategic decision to discontinue the A5 Coupe and Convertible. What does this mean for the future of Audi and its loyal customers? Dive into our latest article on ‘Rev and Shift’ to find out! 🔍 Audi’s Bold Move: Discontinuing the A5 Coupe and Convertible - A Strategic Shift in Production Explore the reasons behind this shift and how Audi is focusing on SUVs and electric vehicles. This comprehensive analysis covers market trends, customer reactions, and the future of Audi’s lineup. 👉 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dAWzu27F 💬 Share your thoughts and join the discussion! Are you excited about Audi’s new direction? 🚙⚡ #AudiInnovation #ElectricVehicles #SUVTrends #MotoringNews #RevAndShiftBlog

Audi has made a significant shift in its lineup by discontinuing its coupe and convertible models. This change marks the end of an era, as the brand phases out the A5 and S5 coupes and convertibles, along with the high-performance RS5 two-door. This decision leaves Audi without any coupe or convertible offerings for the first time in decades. The discontinuation comes as part of Audi's broader strategy to streamline its product offerings and focus more on electric and SUV models, reflecting industry trends and shifting consumer preferences. The TT, a beloved model known for its distinctive design and sporty performance, was retired in 2023 after three generations. Similarly, the iconic R8, a staple in Audi's lineup for high-performance enthusiasts, saw its final production run earlier in 2024. Despite these changes, Audi has not completely abandoned the A5 nameplate. The A5 Sportback, which combines the sleek design of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan, continues to be available. For the 2025 model year, the A5 Sportback has received several updates, including additional standard features and new package options. Pricing for the A5 Sportback starts at $47,595, with the top-tier RS5 Sportback priced at $81,195. Audi's shift away from coupes and convertibles is part of a larger trend in the automotive industry, where many manufacturers are focusing on electric vehicles and SUVs. This strategic realignment aims to meet growing environmental concerns and adapt to the evolving market demands. As Audi continues to innovate and expand its electric vehicle offerings, enthusiasts can expect the brand to maintain its commitment to performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology.

🚗✨ **Elevate Your Drive: 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron Unveiled!** 🚀🔋 The 2025 Audi Q8 E-Tron and SQ8 E-Tron family have arrived with MINOR tweaks but an amplified price! 💲 Just $400 more for the same stellar driving range! 😲 **Key Highlights:** - Minor aesthetic changes but a powerful presence! 💪 - Consistent driving range – the performance you love, just got better! 🌍 - Exciting possibilities for eco-friendly travel! ♻️ 💡**Thought-Provoking Question:** Are you ready to invest in innovation that drives change? 🤔 🔥Tips: Prioritize electric vehicles for your fleet to save costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Join the conversation! Thumbs up or down? 👍👎 #Audi #ETron #ElectricVehicles #Innovation #Sustainability #Automotive #FutureOfDriving #BusinessInsights #Leadership #EcoFriendly #ElectricCars #DriveChange 🌟