TIANJIN — FAW-Volkswagen has officially kicked off trial production for a new model at its Tianjin facility, which could be the start of a critical transition period for the joint venture.
According to internal documents sourced by local media , the new model bears the internal codename “AU336.” Industry insiders strongly suggest this is the next-generation Audi Q3, an important vehicle for the German automaker as it fights to defend its market share in China’s cutthroat compact luxury segment.
AU336 Production
The AU336 has now moved into the trial production phase, which will run on the same assembly lines producing five other mass-market models. FAW-Volkswagen plans to produce an initial batch of over 100 units. These pre-production vehicles will not be sold to the public; instead, they are destined for up to 100 validation tests, including rigorous corrosion resistance, structural fatigue, and safety collision assessments.
To accommodate the new architecture, the Tianjin workshop has undergone a significant tooling upgrade. The plant has integrated 55 new robotic sets, 267 specialized fixtures and grippers, and updated over 1,000 pieces of intelligent manufacturing equipment.
Audi’s Electrification Plan in China
The timing and nature of this production ramp-up reveal several key strategic shifts for Audi in China:
Firstly, the Tianjin plant is advancing a mixed-model assembly production model. Unlike domestic rivals BYD or Tesla, which operate dedicated EV plants, legacy joint ventures like FAW-VW are opting for flexible manufacturing. This allows them to produce internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, hybrids, and pure EVs on the same line, adjusting the mix in real-time based on fluctuating demand.
If the AU336 is indeed the third-generation Q3, it represents perhaps the final major ICE/Hybrid push for the model before Audi transitions fully to electric.
The current Q3 faces stiff competition from the BMW X1 and domestic premium EVs like the Zeekr X or NIO ET5. To compete, the China-spec AU336 is expected to feature a “Long Wheelbase” (LWB) variant and a drastically overhauled digital cockpit to meet the local demand for “smart” interiors—an area where legacy luxury brands have recently lagged.
While trial production is a positive step, the report notes that mass production is slated for 2026. In the current Chinese market, where local EV startups can bring a car from concept to showroom in 18–24 months, a 2026 launch for a legacy model feels conservative.
By the time the AU336 hits dealer lots, the 800V electric architecture will be standard in the premium compact segment. Audi’s challenge will be convincing buyers that a refined German ICE or hybrid platform is still a premium value proposition in an increasingly electric-first market.
Audi’s Two-Pronged Approach in China
While FAW-Volkswagen secures the legacy business in Tianjin, a completely separate entity—Audi FAW NEV Company— announced the start of EV production in Changchun in December 2024.
Unlike the legacy FAW-VW partnership, this new Changchun plant is Audi’s first in China dedicated exclusively to fully electric vehicles based on the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture.
The facility has commenced production of the Audi Q6L e-tron, a long-wheelbase SUV designed specifically for the Chinese market. It features a China-exclusive digital cockpit and extended rear legroom, innovations aimed at competing directly with domestic rivals like NIO and Zeekr.
Meanwhile, the Tianjin facility is set to become a “multi-energy” hub for FAW-Volkswagen. Between 2026 and 2027, the plant will see a launch of multiple new models, solidifying its role as the manufacturing backbone for Audi’s new phase in China.
