After a number of growth delays as a consequence of software program points internally and at mum or dad firm Volkswagen Group, Audi AG is reportedly exploring discussions in China to purchase its subsequent era EV platform from one other OEM, even perhaps a competitor abroad.

Audi presently sits as a legacy automaker with one of the crucial sturdy lineups of all-electric autos… so long as you’ll be able to inform all of them aside given their related e-tron nomenclature. Whereas different EU automakers, together with some in Audi’s identical Volkswagen Group household (ahem… Porsche) discover methods to waste money and time on a murky future surrounding e-fuels, Audi’s CEO Markus Duesmann has doubled down on the corporate’s dedication to electrification.

Regardless of that admirable dedication, Audi’s gross sales have lagged behind German opponents like Mercedes-Benz and BMW – which led to the ousting of Duesmann as CEO final month. He might be succeeded by Volkswagen Group veteran Gernot Döllner.

Döllner formally takes the reins September 1 and might be tasked with elevating a luxurious model dedicated to electrification that has been impeded by growth points, notably on the software program aspect. Döllner’s predecessor had beforehand promised “fireworks” in Audi’s EV pipeline, however to date we’ve solely seen ideas just like the Urbansphere and Activesphere EVs seen above and under, respectively.

With clear platform delays on the schedule at Volkswagen Group and a brand new chief on the new seat, Audi is rumored to be trying to find a brand new accomplice in China through which the luxurious automaker can merely purchase its subsequent era EV platform and begin getting its subsequent wave of autos out on roads.

Audi could also be kicking the platform tires in China to catch up

In response to Automobilwoche, sources at Audi state the German automaker is in discussions with a number of OEMs in China to purchase EV platform expertise. These sources wouldn’t title any particular Chinese language automakers, nonetheless.

If that is true, Audi has a plethora of EV conglomerates to select from as China is well essentially the most saturated marketplace for electrical car manufacturing. The area contains massive OEMs like BYD, Geely, SAIC, BAIC, GAC, and even FAW who already has a three way partnership in China with Volkswagen Group.

As beforehand touched upon, the SSP platform from Volkswagen Group that Audi is planning to make use of is now delayed to 2029 as a consequence of numerous software program points – unwelcome information for an automaker that’s already taking part in catchup in its given section.

It’s arduous to think about Audi sitting again and ready for the SSP from its mum or dad, including some cogency to the rumors of talks with China. The sources additionally instructed Automobilwoche that VW Group CEO Oliver Blume has already permitted Audi’s technique to hunt EV expertise abroad, and that the board might vote to approve the plan this week.

Audi, nonetheless, states that has no information of any discussions to purchase an EV platform. We’ll see.