Audi moves against imports of AUDI models to Germany — Motor1
In Germany, Audi has initiated legal proceedings against importer Auto China, which had been bringing the E5 Sportback and E7X electric vehicles intended for the Chinese market into the country. The company seeks to stop the parallel import of these models, Motor1 reports.
The case concerns vehicles of the AUDI brand, which Audi created together with SAIC as an electric vehicle brand specifically for China. The brand name uses capital letters, and the vehicles themselves do not feature Audi's traditional four-ring emblem. The brand is aimed at young buyers interested in technology, while the E5 Sportback and E7X differ from Audi's global model lineup in design and equipment.
Import and homologation
Auto China imported the vehicles into Germany, carried out their homologation, and offered them to local buyers. An Audi representative told Automobilwoche that the company had initiated legal proceedings against the importer and intended to protect its rights.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Audi stated that AUDI models are not supplied to countries outside China through official distribution channels approved by Audi AG. According to the company, Audi AG and authorized Audi dealers outside China cannot provide technical servicing for such vehicles, as AUDI models are not considered Audi vehicles in other markets.
Service and software
Auto China says it can provide homologation, registration, warranty, and servicing for the imported vehicles. At the same time, such vehicles are not part of Audi's official European dealer network. Owners may face questions regarding software, diagnostics, spare parts, and repairs, particularly given the presence of sensors, cameras, and complex driver-assistance systems.
The E5 Sportback and E7X have disappeared from Auto China's website. A representative of the importer did not specify to Automobilwoche whether this was connected to Audi's legal actions. At the same time, the website still features other vehicles from Chinese brands, including Xiaomi, Jetour, Zeekr, and Huawei.
