(Yicai) March 20 -- Audi is reassessing its timeline for discontinuing fossil fuel-powered vehicles, originally scheduled for 2032, and is implementing region-specific strategies as the adoption of electric vehicles varies significantly across different markets, the chief executive officer of the German auto giant told Yicai recently.

Audi had originally planned to release its last gasoline and diesel-fueled cars by 2026 and phase out all such models by 2032, but this plan is now being adjusted, Gernot Döllner said.

"Audi's long-term focus is on developing and producing electric vehicles," Döllner said. "However, during the transition period, the Ingolstadt-based company will continue to offer efficient gasoline-powered cars, plug-in hybrids and pure EVs."

Audi plans to launch over 20 new models between last year and this year, half of which will be pure EVs, he said. Audi began rolling out plug-in hybrid models at the end of 2024 and plans to release 10 new plug-in hybrid models by the end of 2025.

Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW all logged shrinking profit and revenue last year as carmakers navigate the challenges of transitioning to electric cars. To address these obstacles, Audi plans to launch new models, strengthen its position in China and enhance internal efficiency, Döllner said.

As for China, Audi is undertaking the largest product rollout in its history. Starting in the middle of the year, it will begin producing several new models specifically designed for the Chinese market. Audi will also deepen its ties with its joint venture partners, FAW and SAIC, to expand its EV lineup in China.

As part of these plans, Audi is linking arms with Changchun-based FAW to produce new models based on its Premium Platform Electric architecture. The Audi Q6L e-tron began production at the end of last year. Over the next three years, Audi will debut three more models, with the first expected to launch later this year.

Audi’s premium gasoline cars continue to play an important role in China, where there is stable demand, Döllner said. The company plans to launch a new generation of locally made models based on its Premium Platform Combustion architecture for luxury fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

Huawei Technologies’ advanced driver assistance system is performing exceptionally well in the market, Döllner said. Starting this year, Audi vehicles tailored for the Chinese market will be equipped with Shenzhen-based Huawei’s ADAS technology.

Editor: Kim Taylor