FAW-Volkswagen executives look forward to a bright New Year at a recent presentation. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

Sino-German joint venture FAW-Volkswagen – based in Changchun city, in Northeast China's Jilin province – recorded growth in both auto production and sales in 2021.

The group reported that it made a total of 1.7 million vehicles last year, while 1.86 million vehicles were delivered to customers – including luxury Audi cars that were imported to meet robust demand.  

The figures ranked FAW-Volkswagen at the top of China's domestic auto industry and came in the wake of the company's launch last year of a digital and intelligent reboot of its entire business ecosystem.

The company streamlined its existing corporate organization and established a Digital Transformation Office, or DTO. It launched commercial ventures with tech giants Huawei and Alibaba to train and develop a digital workforce.

FAW-Volkswagen implemented a number of digital projects, such as the expansion of online customized cars for the entire Volkswagen and Audi range, reportedly shortening the delivery cycle by nearly 30 percent.

An official delivers a speech, Jan 17. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

Progress was reportedly recorded in the auto heavyweight's sci-tech innovation, with a new energy center and new technology development center unveiled in 2021.

In addition, FAW-Volkswagen's R&D personnel increased to nearly 3,000.

Development goals for 2022 have been set for FAW-Volkswagen. The company will continue to launch new models that will aim to meet the needs of users in the fields of traditional energy and new energy, while eight new models will be launched in 2022.

At the same time, plans are for it to accelerate the research and development and testing of new products and technologies, to deliver better equipment and intelligent connectivity functions to customers.