Audi putting RS muscle in China import lineup

The 2014 RS 5 Cabriolet combines track-tested engineering with the freedom of open air driving. [Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Dominique Boesch, general manager of the Audi sales division at the joint venture, said the high-performance segment in China has great growth potential as customers mature and need more options.

"We have confidence that Audi RS will play a key role in the segment," he said.

Ge Shuwen, executive deputy general manager of the Audi sales division, said the RS high-performance car strategy will not only bring more models to China, but also consolidate the brand's "dynamic appeal" to customers.

Audi has been the biggest premium car provider in China for two decades dues to its early local production and continuing efforts to build the brand.

But it has the label of a "government car" because almost all high-profile Chinese government officials ride in Audis.

The RS strategy in China is seen as another move to help alter that image.

Audi's China sales surged by 32 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters of the year to 294,952 cars.

It now produces the A6L large sedan, A4L mid-sized sedan and Q5 mid-sized SUV at the joint venture.

It will also make the Q3 compact SUV later this year and the A3 compact sedan next year in China.

gongzhengzheng@chinadaily.com.cn

The V8 FSI engine equiped in a 2014 RS 5 Cabriolet. [Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]