Surprise! Audi reportedly ‘advanced’ talks to buy Chinese automaker SAIC's EV platform

It was reported that German automaker Audi is in talks with SAIC Motor Corp to buy an electric vehicle (EV) platform from the Chinese automaker.

Audi’s potential move comes as the sales of its EVs is sharply behind those of competitors such as Tesla and Nio, said Reuters. One of the reasons for the disappointed sales performance would be a lack of vehicles optimal for Chinese needs.

The report by the news agency quoted sources, who sought anonymity, as saying the car brand of Volkswagen Group “seeks to take over the EV platform owned by SAIC's EV unit, IM Motors”. One of the sources even added that “Talks are at an advanced stage”.

News and commentary site Electrek also reported that the German automaker has been exploring the purchase of a new EV platform in China rather than wait for its parent company to deliver it.

The sources told Electrek that Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group, had already given Audi’s strategy to seek EV technology overseas the green light, and that its board could vote to approve the plan very soon.

Both Audi and SAIC declined to comment on the reports.