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
Permanent representative of Israel to the United Nations (UN) Danny Danon on Thursday denied that any discussions had occurred between Israel and the UN regarding delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Danon made these remarks at the UN headquarters in response to a query from a China Central Television (CCTV) reporter about the ongoing failure to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israel blocked the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the end of the first phase of a January ceasefire deal with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18.
With no food, no supplies, and no relief in sight, Gazans have been enduring a relentless fight for survival.
In response to mounting international condemnation, Israel has proposed that its military take over the distribution of aid - a move widely criticized by the international community.
Briefing a Security Council meeting on Tuesday, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher noted that the UN has met for over 12 times with the Israeli authorities regarding the latter's proposed aid distribution model, yet no solution had been found.
Danon, however, stated that no discussions have taken place in recent weeks regarding the issue.
"I don't know about that. Actually I listened to Mr. Fletcher's remarks at the Security Council the other day, and I can tell you that he visited Israel but he had no discussion about that fund because it was way back and in the last few weeks there was no dialogue about that. I would expect UN officials to engage when they want to speak about issues they know how to reach us, they know how to reach the U.S. mission. We are here to engage," he said.
"They got some information from the media, I assume. But I think they should look into that and to realize that if they want to be involved, that is the way to be involved," he added, reiterating that the UN has not reached out.
In response to Danon's denial, the United Nations reaffirmed its position, standing by the public statement released by Fletcher.
"I heard what he said, and we stand by what Mr. Fletcher has said," Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General noted later on the day, commenting on Danon's statement.
"Mr. Fletcher gave the details," he continued.
Israel envoy denies discussions with UN on enabling Gaza aid deliveries
