SAIC Audi Clarifies Reports on Parallel Imported Vehicles
SAIC Audi's head, Xie Shiqi, has addressed online reports claiming Audi's German headquarters blocked parallel imported AUDI vehicles. He clarified the statements concerned after-sales service limitations, not a rejection of the brand.
Xie Shiqi, head of SAIC Audi, has issued a statement to clarify recent online reports suggesting Audi's German headquarters had blocked the import of parallel-imported AUDI vehicles into Germany. Xie explained that the original comments, attributed to an Audi spokesperson in foreign media, were specifically about the company's inability to provide after-sales service for these non-officially supported vehicles.
According to Xie, Audi's global headquarters fully supports the AUDI brand and its transition towards electrification and intelligent technologies. He cited instances such as Audi CEO Markus Duesmann's participation in AUDI brand events and the display of the E5 Sportback model at Audi's headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany.
Xie emphasized that parallel-imported vehicles are treated as third-party vehicles and therefore do not qualify for official Audi after-sales support. He stated this was a matter of service scope and not an indication of disapproval towards the brand. SAIC Audi intends to pursue legal action against the spread of exaggerated and decontextualized remarks.
SAIC Audi assures customers that it will continue to provide comprehensive, full-lifecycle technical support and services according to Audi's global standards. The company also plans to expand the AUDI brand's product lineup. An inaugural "AUDI Day" is scheduled for November.