Audi remains committed to deepening its "in China for China" strategy, focusing on innovation and striving for greater success in its key market, said CEO Gernot Döllner.
At the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, Audi unveiled a strong lineup of all-electric vehicles alongside its local partners, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the Chinese market.
"We have always been inspired by our Chinese customers. We have always done development 'in China for China' and we are now bringing it to the next level, with both joint ventures, with SAIC. We for the first time co-developed the car together with strong design. It was quality with chassis technology from Audi and with the Chinese ecosystem that's brought from SAIC to the party. So we really have our Chinese customers in the focus," Döllner said at the event.
In the face of escalating U.S.-China tariff tensions and the European Union's exploration of alternative tariff plans, including minimum price benchmarks for Chinese-made electric vehicles, the Audi CEO reiterated the company's commitment to free trade.
He also expressed confidence in the company's strategy, highlighting its localized operations in China as a key advantage.
"We believe that Free Trade is the right way to handle that. And we are really happy to have a strategy where we are already localized in China. So we see ourselves perfectly set up in the Chinese market. We have a strategy like that also in mind for the U.S.," he said.
Also known as Auto Shanghai, the 10-day event got underway in the eastern China metropolis on Wednesday and is expected to see over 100 new product debuts among the 1,000 participating auto brands, while over 100,000 daily visitors are set to descend on one of the world's largest auto shows.
Audi showcases"in China for China" strategy with electric vehicles at Auto Shanghai
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
