SAIC Volkswagen debuts electric concept vehicles at Auto Shanghai 2025

China

SAIC Volkswagen debuts electric concept vehicles at Auto Shanghai 2025

2025-04-24 19:24 Last Updated At：20:17

SAIC Volkswagen, China's first joint venture for passenger cars between Volkswagen Group and SAIC Motor, debuted several electric concept vehicles at the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025.

Among the concept vehicles on display is the ID.ERA by SAIC Volkswagen -- Volkswagen Group's first range-extended full-size SUV concept.

This model features a fuel-powered generator that charges the battery during operation, providing an extended range of over 700 kilometers. Along with its 300-kilometer range in battery mode, the ID.ERA achieves a total driving distance exceeding 1,000 kilometers.

"This is a 'new automotive era' defined by Chinese consumers. The ID.ERA's appearance is bold, pure, exceptional, and robust, unmistakably reflecting Volkswagen's identity. It also integrates a brand-new design language exclusive to China that exudes a sense of luxury and futurism," said Tao Hailong, general manager of SAIC Volkswagen.

Another concept vehicle presented at the event is the E5 Sportback, the first production model from AUDI, Audi's new sister brand developed in collaboration with SAIC Motor.

This fully electric model, jointly developed by experts from Germany and China, features a range of up to 770 kilometers, providing Chinese consumers with a premium mobility option.

SAIC Volkswagen will introduce 20 new models by 2030, further advancing the realm of joint ventures.

"We uphold precise manufacturing processes, strict safety testing standards, and complete safety testing procedures. We build a software and hardware integrated security protection system based on driving assistance algorithms and chassis tuning capabilities, solidifying our position as consumers' preferred premium mobility partner," Tao said.

Themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," Auto Shanghai 2025 kicked off in Shanghai on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 noted enterprises from 26 countries and regions.

Major Qatari energy facilities damaged in Iranian strikes: foreign ministry

Two major Qatari energy facilities shut down operations after being damaged during Iran's strikes targeting the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said on Tuesday, adding that the situation had been contained.

QatarEnergy announced on Monday that it had suspended liquefied natural gas (LNG) production following attacks on two of its energy facilities, and on Tuesday said it was suspending production of downstream natural gas products such as urea and methanol.

The shutdown sent gas prices skyrocketing on global energy markets, provoking fears of an energy crisis sparked by the conflict in the Middle East.

Speaking during his weekly press conference, Al-Ansari said that the decision to shut down the facilities was taken as a precaution, to ensure the safety of personnel and infrastructure after the strike damaged key production and processing sites.

"The damage was contained and now the operations to assess, technically, the safety of the facilities is underway. And from the defensive posture, as you have seen, we have been ready in monitoring and dealing with all of these attacks," he said.

Al-Ansari said that Qatar is committed to de-escalating the situation, and added that Qatar had not had any contact with Iran since Feb 28.

"Qatar's diplomatic stance has always been firm and clear: committed to peace, actively promoting de-escalation, advocating dialogue and consultation, and striving to resolve the conflict peacefully," he said.