Audi sues German importer over parallel imports of China-built electric models

Audi has initiated legal action against the German importer Auto China for bringing the E5 Sportback and E7X electric cars, originally created for China by Audi and SAIC, into the German market. While the cars display the Audi name, they do not feature the brand’s iconic four-ring logo and are not part of Audi’s approved European distribution channels. Audi says the parallel import breaches its export policy and means the vehicles fall outside the company’s European service and warranty network, potentially depriving owners of essential software and sensor support.

Auto China handled type approval, registration, and after-sales services for the models, but they have since been removed from its offering. The importer still offers other Chinese-made vehicles, though its relationship to the lawsuit remains unclear.