SHANGHAI, Aug 4 (Reuters): Audi's new electric cars series developed in China for the Chinese market will not sport its four-ring logo, two people with direct knowledge of the plans said.
The decision by the premium marque owned by Germany's Volkswagen is due to "brand image consideration," one of the people said. It also reflects the use of automotive architecture co-developed with Chinese partner SAIC and an increased reliance on local suppliers and technologies.
Reuters was not able to learn if the new series, codenamed "Purple" internally, would have a different logo or would just carry the name Audi on the vehicles.
A concept car for the series is due to be unveiled in November when Audi will also explain the series' "brand story", the two people said.
A third person who was briefed on the matter said nine models are planned by 2030.
The sources declined to be identified as the automaker has not made the plans public.
Audi declined to comment on what it called speculation. SAIC said in a statement to Reuters that the EVs would be "true Audi with authentic Audi DNA".
Chinese automakers are increasingly taking share in their home market - the world's largest - with tech-savvy EVs. That's led to sinking sales for foreign automakers, many of which are much more reliant on gasoline-engine models, pushing them into forming new partnerships.
Audi and SAIC, a long-time VW partner, said in May they would jointly develop a platform for EVs for the Chinese market.
Developing cars specifically for China allows foreign automakers to come to grips with the latest features in EVs and Chinese tastes while still targeting a huge customer pool.
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