Hello to all the media friends on site, distinguished guests, and viewers watching the live stream. Good evening, everyone. I'm Xiaolin.
Hi, I'm Tim from Media Stone. I bet you guys didn't expect to see me hosting on this stage tonight, did you? It's my great honor to be here in front of you.
I am Oliver Blume. Thank you, Xiaolin and Tim. It's fantastic to be on stage with you both tonight. As the Volkswagen Group accelerates its transformation into a true tech-driven leader, having authentic tech-savvy creators like you is a perfect fit. I promise you tonight we have an incredible lineup of innovations to share with you.
Wow. Sounds good. I'm so excited to see what unfolds next. We all know that today's automotive industry is undoubtedly standing at the crossroads of intense change. Just now, outside the venue, we already saw Volkswagen Group's rich lineup of brands. Tonight we will witness an unprecedented product offensive from Volkswagen that covers a diverse range of users' needs. This is Volkswagen. The enormous change happening here tonight must be recorded on camera, right? It's worth starting with a big group photo of everyone.
Obviously, now we are content creators, so if you don't mind, if we can have a selfie all together with everybody.
Of course.
Nice.
Shall we? Three, two, one. [Non-English content]
Thank you all.
Yay. Thank you. Wow, that's so nice. Alright, Mr. Blume, the stage is yours now. Yeah.
Yeah. Thanks for joining, Xiaolin, and thank you, Tim. Back in Beijing once again. Volkswagen Group has been part of Auto China since 1990, and no other international automotive player has such a great history like we have in China. Back then, the cars were very different, and creators like you, Xiaolin and Tim, shaping how people see mobility, were not part of our world yet. Today, both have evolved. Ladies and gentlemen, a warm welcome to Volkswagen Group Media Night, and just a few days before Auto China this year, 2026. You know, this is a special evening for us because we show more than thrilling products, technologies, and of course, visions. We show how strategy turns into results, and how transformation creates impact, and how it delivers when you act with focus, with clarity, and with real determination. This is a milestone moment for us.
Volkswagen Group is back in China, strong, confident, with clear ambition. Three years ago, we set out to reshape our company and its core for the most dynamic automotive market in the world. Nowhere else are technology cycles shorter, competition more intense, and customer expectations evolving faster. China is like a fitness center for the automotive industry. We saw it, we embraced it, and we changed ourselves. We learned from speed, from discipline, from clarity. This mindset here does not just inspire us, it pushes us and it has shaped us. China is not just a market for Volkswagen Group, China makes us better every single day. What you see tonight is a result of our journey. Strong proof points of how far we have come with our fully localized strategy, and I can tell you we are very proud of it.
10 new vehicles, four world premieres, four strong brands with progressive design that inspires, with innovative technology that moves people ahead, and with no compromise on quality and safety. That is what Volkswagen Group stands for across all our brands here on stage and beyond. One thing remains unchanged. People are at the center of everything we do. Tech for the people, that's our benchmark. Our principle is clear: in China for China. Fully focused on this market, developed locally, powered by German engineering, together with strong Chinese partners. We built a new regional electric electronic architecture in just only 18 months. We created our full development hub in Hefei. We established Horizon as a center for advanced ADAS.
We reduced development time by 30%, we cut platform costs by up to 50%, and we deliver intelligent functions from ADAS to smart cockpits tailored to the needs of our customers here in China. Today, we are more deeply integrated into China's innovation ecosystem than ever before. We fully own high tech, we can develop it further, and we scale it. This is why we deliver. China is at the core of our transformation and a key driver of our global ambition to be the global automotive tech driver. This evening sends a clear signal for what we have achieved and for what lies ahead. We are entering the age of intelligent, connected mobility. This evening marks the beginning of a new Volkswagen era in China. More than 20 new energy vehicles will reach customers in this year. On average, a new product every two weeks.
This will expand to around 50 electrified models by 2030. The biggest product offensive in our company's history here in China. What matters most, three years ago, none of these vehicles would have been possible. Today, we deliver with confidence. Our products are ready, our technologies are ready, we are ready. Now is the time. We rise up.
Thank you, Oliver. Oliver just painted a grand global vision and an unprecedented local offensive. The entire group is, so to speak, going all out. In a market as competitive as China, ambition only matters when it turns into reality on the road. In practical terms, what does that actually look like? Let's talk about Audi first. When the Audi E5 concept was unveiled in Shanghai at the end of 2024, I was there. To be honest, I was curious then, could Audi actually deliver on that promise in a production car? Now, seeing the final result, the answer is clear. Audi did it. This is innovation realized concretely in China for China. The industry has already responded. Earlier this year, the car was named the 2026 Car of the Year. Let's take a closer look.
To take a closer look at the AUDI E7X, brand new, please welcome the CEO of Audi, Gernot Döllner. Gernot.
Hello.
It's great to see you.
Great to see you.
What's the core idea behind this model?
Yeah. The AUDI E7X is a clear signal of our ambition in China and a key step in strengthening our position in the fast-growing NEV segment. From the very beginning, our goal was to create a vehicle that truly feels at home in China. We listened closely to local customers and combined unmistakable Audi DNA, engineering excellence, progressive design, and premium quality with China's digital ecosystem and innovation speed. The result is a bold, all-electric SUV that is sporty, multifunctional, and spacious, designed for everyday life.
Maybe we should talk about technology. How does the E7X bring Vorsprung durch Technik to life?
Yeah. On the road, the AUDI E7X is clearly Audi. Up to 500 kW of power, zero to 100 in just 3.9 seconds. Quattro all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, and adaptive air suspension. At the same time, the technology is tailored to China with a Level 2++ driver assistance system developed for local traffic and a fully integrated digital ecosystem. We are already planning to introduce Level 3 highly automated driving capabilities on the AUDI E7X, marking the debut of this technology for Audi worldwide and in China. This is where Audi engineering and China's innovation strengths come together.
Naturally, I'm very interested to learn about Audi's next step in tech development. How is Audi continuing to innovate in China?
Yeah, China is a key innovation hub for Audi. We are expanding local development with SAIC, including our new Audi Innovation & Technology Center in Shanghai. Looking ahead, four all-new Audi models are planned, ensuring innovation at market speed while staying true to what defines Audi.
The E7X is a powerful statement. Audi DNA, China speed, truly impressive. E7X fuses Audi's DNA with Chinese innovation to create a localized all-electric SUV. It delivers powerful performance and features L2++ intelligent driving system. More importantly, the E7X will mark the global debut of Audi's L3 autonomous driving. Moving forward, Audi will partner with SAIC to expand the Audi Innovation & Technology Center, with the plans to launch the four brand new Audi models. Of course. Next, I would like to invite everyone to see how Audi extending this philosophy into another core market segment.
Wow, beautiful cars. Gernot, I know that Audi has delivered more than 10 million vehicles up until now, and currently is launching its biggest product initiative here. The A6L is one of your most successful models. I'm just wondering, where does the A6L e-tron fit in here?
Yeah, thank you. Yeah, as you mentioned, the A6L is a cornerstone of Audi's success in China and continues to be highly relevant for our customers. Since 1999, we have sold more than 3 million A6L in China. With the A6L e-tron, we are expanding this successful lineup into the electric age. This reflects our broader approach, offering a diverse portfolio that meets different customer needs and preferences.
Oh, perfect. What makes this A6L e-tron stand out?
Yeah, it's our first all-electric Audi sedan in this upper segment, produced locally in China with 800-volt architecture. It can charge up to 302 km of range in just 10 minutes, and reaches a total range of up to 815 km. At the same time, it delivers the comfort that A6L customers expect.
Well, sure. Yeah. I know that Chinese customers right now is increasingly value the digital intelligence. How do you ensure that the models like A6L e-tron is fully integrated into China's digital lifestyle?
Yeah. Digital intelligence is central for us in China. Together with leading local partners like Huawei, we deliver advanced level 2++ driver assistance tailored to Chinese traffic.
Yeah.
Combined with a China-specific infotainment experience. This brings Audi even closer to Chinese customers because we develop our cars around how people live and move in China today.
Yeah, I see. A6L has an incredible legacy in China, and the e-tron is truly an exciting next chapter, I think. The A6L—
Has sold over 3 million units in China. The pure electric version both continues the successful lineup and offers more choices for users who prefer electric cars. The A6L e-tron is characterized by very strong power, acceleration, and range, while delivering the same comfortable experience. In terms of intelligence, it has fully enhanced the experience in driver assistance and the cabin. Audi's pursuit of ultimate performance has never been limited to the road. Next, please turn your attention to the center of the stage.
We start because we dare. Driven not by what we've done, but by what's still to come. To start pushing limits, stop respecting them. Success is not measured in laps counted, but in minds changed and imaginations fired. Our history isn't something we observe. It's a challenge we strive to surpass. Slipping and learning, rising and winning. Until we've made history again. To start something, stop at nothing.
Gernot, Audi entering Formula One was a big statement, isn't it? It's beautiful. When you look at this race car, what does it represent?
Yeah, it represents a mindset shift we are making as a company right now. Formula 1 is about teamwork, bold calls, speed and development, and execution, and total focus on performance, and that's exactly the mentality we are building at Audi.
I've been following the current championship closely, you in person, and it's genuinely impressive that Audi has already managed to put points on the board so early on. How intense was the first phase?
Yeah, it was very intense. We came in as challengers. Every run, every issue turned straight into progress. That's Formula 1 and that's Audi.
The visibility is massive. The first race in Melbourne alone reached around 800 million. Yeah.
Yeah. That's the power of Formula 1. It gives us a truly global stage, also in China, where the sport is inspiring a new audience. That reach was a key reason for us to enter, but it's not just about exciting people for racing. We are using this platform to bring them into the Audi brand and our products.
That impact goes beyond the racetrack.
Yeah, absolutely. Formula 1 amplifies our brand, attracts strong partners who believe in Audi, and creates impact far beyond motorsport. It accelerates our technology, our culture, and our global relevance, and for Audi, this journey has only just begun.
Teamwork, speed, and impact beyond the track. Audi F1 journey is just getting started. Thank you, Gernot. Thank you.
Thank you, Tim.
It's a change of mindset with teamwork, boldness, speed, and ultimate performance. It is the spirit of Audi. It's so impressive. It's taking scores very early on. With Melbourne, there are 800 million spectators or audience, and new audiences are attracted in China, and it's also leveraged as an accelerator for brand, culture, and development, and it's just the start of the journey. Indeed, the engines of F1 racers are amazing. When others care about ultimate speed on the track, as one who is more fascinated by development, I'm more fascinated by the speed of R&D. Several months ago, Volkswagen brand showed us a host of concepts different from the traditional tempo of waiting for years. They developed, engineered, and delivered real cars at China speed. ID. UNYX 08 and ID. UNYX 09 are perfect examples of responding to China's need for a variety of powertrains.
Please look at the screen for how fast they have expanded, and at the last moment, there will be a big happy surprise.
All right. Now let's please welcome the CEO of Volkswagen Brand, Mr. Thomas Schäfer.
Hello.
Good to see you.
Hello.
Yeah. Thomas, if we look at the fiercely competitive mid-size SUV market, how does this specific model tackle this high volume segment while making the new innovations accessible to a broader public?
Yeah. The T6 is the first model of our ID. AURA series from FAW-Volkswagen, and it's a very important model for the brand as it is very close to the heart of Volkswagen, making innovation accessible for everyone. The ID. AURA T6 is a fully electric mid-size SUV, which is a huge segment here in China, and that is precisely reflected in its design and in its features. It follows our new China design DNA, natural upright lines, and a practical body shape with generous space for the entire family. On the intelligence side, the model is marking the next milestone for Volkswagen in China. It's the first SUV to be equipped with our China electronic architecture, the CEA. It will be our first electric model to offer LIDAR-based Level 2 advanced driver assistance developed by CARIZON, our joint venture of CARIAD China and Horizon Robotics.
I cannot wait to see and drive this one here on the road.
Yeah. Beautiful. We just saw the new ID. UNYX 09, ID. UNYX 08 on stage, and now is the ID. AURA T6. How does this diverse portfolio fit into the broad joint venture roadmap and the overall scale of Volkswagen's NEV journey?
Now, the ID. AURA T6 completes the first wave of our product offensive alongside the ID. AERA 9X and the ID. UNYX 08. These three models are from three joint ventures, different characters, one Volkswagen. The Volkswagen brand in China is going all in with new products and new technologies. These three models showcase how we are going to serve customer needs, excuse me, with our diverse portfolio in China. They're only the start of our biggest product offensive here in China. We are launching 13 new NEV models this year and more than 30 new NEV models by 2029 across all model families of ID. AURA, ID. AERA, and ID. UNYX. To reflect the dynamics of the Chinese market, we are clearly committed to electrification with flexible powertrains spanning from battery electric to plug-in hybrid and range extender vehicles.
We combine German engineering with local innovation, and the result is 100% true Volkswagen at China speed.
Oh, that's incredible. Scaling up to a 30-model portfolio definitely requires an unprecedented pace of innovation, right?
Yeah. Exactly. To show you that pace, I've brought a little something else with me today. Do you want to see it?
Yeah, of course I do. I think our audience would too. Before that, let me give a quick summary of this beautiful car.
Okay.
ID. AURA T6. It has a broad audience as a mid-size SUV. It's designed in China based on the CEA architecture and equipped with CARIZON-developed ADAS. According to Thomas, we have different powertrains from different series, so as to satisfy diverse market needs in the Chinese market. Its delivery at China speed is all in for the new. There's something else from Thomas. Please.
Observing the progressive design and that unique golden logo, this feels like an entirely new category for the brand. What is the core DNA driving this specific line?
Yeah, that is very simple. The ID. UNYX category from Volkswagen Anhui stands for progressive design and state-of-the-art intelligence, benchmark driving dynamics. This close-to-production ID. UNYX 09 is a great example of how we are extending our product portfolio and further shape the identity of this category. It's a five-meter long sedan. It's tailored for the more status-driven and highly attractive B segment. With the market entry planned toward the second half of this year, it will allow us to further extend our customer base here in China.
The ID. UNYX 09 arrived remarkably quickly. How did you achieve the pace without compromising our engineering standards?
Your question is precisely to the point. The ID. UNYX 09 is our second model from our XPENG cooperation, and it has been developed in just 24 months. It features state-of-the-art intelligence such as Level 2 advanced driving with navigation on autopilot, smart AI assistant, and high computing power to smoothly operate as a co-driver. Most importantly, we did not reduce any of our standards. We combined the best of both worlds, our global strength and engineering depth, with regional focus and local speed.
Global engineering, local speed, and no shortcuts. ID. UNYX, the core DNA, forward design, cutting-edge intelligence, benchmark quality.
Yeah, we've heard those keywords. It's five meters long, targeting the B segment. It's going to be launched during the second half of this year. It took them only 24 months working together with XPENG, with a host of intelligent features, and no standard is compromised. It's a combination of the best of two worlds, German engineering and local innovation. Their answers are far more than this.
Wow.
What a great car, isn't it?
Yeah, it's super cool. Yeah. I have a question for you, Thomas.
Yeah.
While the industry often focuses heavily on the premium tech, but the biggest growth engine in China transition right now is actually the RMB 100,000 segment. I'm wondering strategically, what is Volkswagen's answer to delivering the smart mobility at this volume price point without compromising on quality?
Well,
Yeah
is actually the answer for those customers who are seeking high-quality smart mobility at an affordable price. By electrifying our Jetta brand, we are building on the leadership that it has in affordable fuel-powered vehicles and transitioning it to the electric era of the RMB 100,000 market. More than 5 million Chinese customers have already put their trust into the Jetta brand. 35 years ago, one car changed how a generation of families moved through the world. Today, that story begins again. The Jetta X next to me here is with this new design language, translating the brand's unmistakable, solid, and dependable DNA into a modern and instantly recognizable presence. The new Jetta models will bring together smart and practical solutions with the unmatched Volkswagen DNA of quality, offering the perfect balance of performance and reliability, and best value for China's growing entry-level car market.
Yeah. Nice.
By 2028, we will introduce four NEV models under the new Jetta brand, all smart, practical, and safe.
Wow. Thank you. Thank you, Thomas.
Thank you.
Oh, thank you for walking us through the sheer scale of this rollout. It's a definitive strategic answer for every level of the market. [Non-English content] We can see that in the RMB 100,000 market, Jetta also brings. In the RMB 100,000 market, Jetta is delivering performance and reliability, adding to the possibilities.
[Non-English content ] Hey, Tim, we just saw that Volkswagen is very aggressive in hardware products. Well, in terms of hardware products, there's been a tremendous offensive. From a strategic point of view, hardware is only part of the story. Those cars are wonderful, excellent, but what about the brain? For a global giant focusing on local innovation together with the local champions like Horizon, with the creation of CARIZON, the tech industry in China takes great pride in it. It's not tech for tech's sake. It's not a stacking of fancy features. It's human tech. Driven by trust. [Non-English content] Driven by trust. They never compromise on safety. For example, the ADAS promised in Shanghai is becoming a reality step by step. Now let's invite founder and CEO, Dr. Yu Kai and Mr. Oliver Blume to come to the stage. Dr. Yu Kai and Mr. Oliver Blume.
Last year in Shanghai, Volkswagen made a strong promise on intelligent driving in China. Today, what does that promise mean in reality, Mr. Blume?
Yeah, Tim, indeed. One year ago at the Shanghai Auto Show, we made a clear commitment. A self-developed ADAS solution made in China for China. Today we can say we have delivered. Level 2+ already launched on Seer in just 18 months. In second half of this year, we'll bring six model with Level 2++ capabilities, a strong proof point that Volkswagen speed is China speed.
How did you achieve this so quickly, though?
Well, we combined Volkswagen ability to scale our safety DNA and engineering excellence with the high-tech expertise in AI-steered ADAS from Horizon Robotics. Together, we built CARIZON, the ADAS powerhouse in China for China. 700 ADAS experts continuously writing the code, train, and upgrade the systems. We develop faster, we exit localization, we deliver exactly what our Chinese customers expect.
That brings me to a partner on stage today. Dr. Yu Kai, you have seen this ADAS system perform on China's roads. What is the unique quality of the system?
Well, the system we have built together demonstrated impressively that it works where it matters most, in the real world. The key to this is the integration of smart driving hardware and the software. For the hardware part, the system is built on Horizon Journey 6 SoC chips, which delivers leading performance and efficiently supports the needs of large AI models in ADAS. For the software part, the system leverages a leading one stage end-to-end architecture with reinforcement learning capabilities developed by CARIZON. Accordingly, Volkswagen, in collaboration with Horizon Robotics, has built a unique position in the market proven through everyday use. Moreover, the system learns and adapts continuously, making smart driving truly consistent, safe, trustworthy. That is exactly what Chinese customer expect. Technology that works smoothly, naturally, reliably every single day.
Bring the question, Mr. Blume, how do you make sure the system keeps improving?
Yeah, through constant testing, learning, and iteration. With our testing cycles empowered by GAIA, our AI-driven development system, we continuously learn from both real and generated driving data and scenarios. In a single day—
Yes
We can simulate up to 300,000 km of testing, and every day, each vehicle generates up to 5 TB of training data. Over the past 12 months, 100 million km of testing for CARIZON Hi-Res Level 2+ solution. Every kilometer makes the system safer, smarter, and more capable. Hundreds of thousands of real-world scenarios validated. Validation runs up to 20 times faster using AI. Now we are upgrading GAIA up to version 2.0, a true world model that enables even more complex and rare scenarios to be simulated. This increases efficiency massively by a factor of 10 and paves the way for our Level 3 solution with highest level of reliability and ready to go within the next two years.
What comes next? What is the next step beyond ADAS, Dr. Yu Kai?
Well, great question. The automobile is the first natural carrier for AI in the physical world. The evolution is inevitable. ADAS has laid the groundwork. The next step is to integrate smart driving and intelligent cockpit through one agent acting as the interface and the entry point so that the vehicle has the full closed loop ability, from dialogue to decision-making, to execution, and continuously learning and the evolution. This will redefine the car from a hardware-centric mobility tool to an intelligence-centric AI carrier, a companion that understands you, anticipates you, and grow with you. That will reshape the industrial ecosystem entirely. Horizon Robotics will continue to drive the innovation and build the infrastructure for the physical AI era. Together, we are popularizing AI technologies in the mainstream market and advancing the entire industry through inclusive technology.
This is exactly where Volkswagen is turning technology into reality. We make technology accessible. E-mobility for all, ADAS for all, and now AI agents for all. Using a car is becoming more intuitive.
Yes
More personal, and more helpful in driving, in the cabin, and across the connected driving and digital ecosystem. The best way to bring that to life, to show where we are heading, take a look at this.
Hi, I'm your AI companion. I learn your life, anticipate your needs, and act. Good morning, Wei. Your sleep cycle looks strong. Your heart rate is down. I will drop you off at the gym. You step out. Captured your outfit of the day and shared it. There's been an accident on your usual route. I've already rerouted. From your chat with Xiang Lei, you have a 9:00 conflict. Want to call him about rescheduling? Your usual order is on its way, timed to your arrival. Additionally, I've added the Longjing tea your parents-in-law mentioned to your order. This light, I know you love it. I captured it. By the way, your look is getting noticed. Short reminder, you left your bag on the back seat. Level B2, spot 47. Exit payment is already set. Traffic ahead. I'll handle it. Your favorite creator is live now.
The booking for your favorite restaurant for the family dinner was confirmed. Now, the restaurant just opened its queue. I've already joined. You have time to pick up your family, so take your time and enjoy the dinner.
Dr. Yu Kai, very impressive. What does agentic AI really mean for the person behind the wheel, though?
Well, at Horizon, we have a saying. The car used to be a friend you knew well. Now it's finally got you. Cars equipped with AI agent understand you, understand the context, learn your preference, anticipate your needs before you even express them. So most importantly, this will not stay in premium cars only. The new solution will bring flagship-grade AI agent experience to the mass market. That's the inclusive technology we create together with Volkswagen.
Oliver, when does this become real, and what comes next?
Mm-hmm. AI agents are coming to Volkswagen cars starting Q3 already this year. We deliver because we are integrated in the Chinese innovation ecosystem like no other international OEM. We know our customers like hardly anyone else. Chinese customer bring their entire digital world into the car, their messages, their payments, their daily routines. AI agents connect you to the world you already live in. Therefore, we will bring AI agents for all. This is the next big step we are going to take. This is how Volkswagen Group shapes the future of mobility. Thank you, gentlemen, Yu Kai, and thank you, Tim, for joining us and for guiding us through the evening, through new vehicles, new technologies, and a very clear message. We are back. This is your applause.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are close to the end of this presentation, but not at the end of this remarkable evening. I warmly invite you to come closer to experience our vehicles firsthand, to explore the technology behind them, and to continue the conversation with my colleagues and myself. Thank you for being with us tonight. Before we close, we have one more thing for you.