Audi seeks to double production with partner FAW in five years in China

German luxury automaker Audi AG is looking to double China production with regional partner China FAW Group under five years, its chief executive stated on Wednesday, as worldwide automakers seek to localize in the world’s largest auto market.

Discussing at the Beijing auto show, Audi head Rupert Stadler stated the automaker would look to provide 10 new sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in China by 2022, and that by 2025 it anticipated 30 percent of its sales in the industry to be electric vehicles.

He also stated Audi would expand the range of vehicles it builds with SAIC Motor and to double its engineering staff in China to 750-800, without providing a time frame.

The comments show how foreign automakers have been going out of their way to prove their dedication the Chinese market amid simmering trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

China is thinking about adding duties to U.S. car imports in response to the United States’ proposed tariffs on Chinese goods, though Chinese President Xi Jinping previously this month pledged to reduce import tariffs on products such as cars.

The country also thinks about scrapping limits on foreign ownership of automotive ventures by 2022 in a significant policy shift.

Audi sales chief Marco Schubert stated manufacturers will probably ship in more cars if China lowers import duties on vehicles. About 10 percent of Audi vehicles sold in China are imported, and that share would probably increase for Audi and its competitors, he stated.