Together with Volkswagen Automatic Transmission Tianjin (VWATJ), Audi is expanding its activities in China by inaugurating a new transmissions plant. The facility, in the northern harbor city of Tianjin, will supply highly efficient 7-speed S tronic transmissions for the new Audi A4 L and other locally produced models.
Audi will produce 240,000 transmissions annually at the new base and will have a work force of over 1,000 at full capacity. And thanks to the modular production set-up, the company can double the plant’s capacity in a later phase. “With our first local transmission plant, we have brought another key Audi competence to China,” said Joachim Wedler, president of Audi China. “This transmission production in Tianjin marks a milestone in our localization strategy.”
The factory is also particularly sustainable, say the German car maker: it has, among other things, a heat recovery system and a roof that is designed to save power through the intelligent use of daylight.
The new 7-speed S tronic transmission from Tianjin will be used in models of the second-generation modular longitudinal platform. It combines sporty and comfortable driving with low fuel consumption, adds Wedler. And in combination with the 2.0 TFSI engine, the gearbox contributes to the class-leading efficiency and performance of the powertrain of the new Audi A4 L. The new generation of the premium mid-size sedan will be launched in China in September and features the lowest CO2 emissions in its segment.
The start of production in Tianjin marks the completion of the second phase of Volkswagen ATJ. Audi (49%) and Volkswagen Group China (51%) are both shareholders of the company. “Volkswagen Automatic Transmission Tianjin creates synergies between the Group brands, further strengthening them. With efficient use of resources we live up to our promise of sustainability at every step along the way,” added Dr Jochem Heizmann, president of Volkswagen Group China.