What is the difference between SAIC Volkswagen and FAW Volkswagen?
2 Answers
SAIC Volkswagen and FAW Volkswagen are both joint ventures operated in cooperation with Volkswagen Group of Germany, but they have different corporate cultures and representative models. The specific differences are as follows: 1. Different manufacturers: SAIC Volkswagen is a Sino-German joint venture automobile manufacturer jointly established by SAIC Group and Volkswagen Group. FAW Volkswagen is a joint venture automobile manufacturer jointly operated by China FAW Group Corporation and Volkswagen Group. 2. Different establishment times and production locations: SAIC Volkswagen was established in October 1985 in Shanghai and began assembling and producing vehicles in Shanghai. FAW Volkswagen was established in February 1991 in Changchun, Jilin, and started producing vehicles in Changchun. 3. Different representative models: SAIC Volkswagen's representative models include Santana, Passat, Lavida, Touran, Tiguan, Phideon, Teramont, Polo, etc. SAIC Volkswagen also owns the Skoda brand. FAW Volkswagen's representative models include Golf, Bora, Sagitar, Magotan, C-Trek, T-Roc, etc. FAW Volkswagen also owns the Audi brand.
As a driver with over a decade of experience, I feel the main differences between SAIC Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen lie in their production locations and product orientations. SAIC Volkswagen, headquartered in Shanghai, partnered with Volkswagen early on and launched classic urban models like the Santana. To this day, it offers models such as the Passat and Tiguan, with designs that are more fashionable and trendy, favored by users in southern China. FAW-Volkswagen is rooted in Changchun, led by the FAW Group, producing models like the Magotan, Sagitar, and Bora, primarily focusing on family cars with an emphasis on durability, and is more commonly seen in northern regions, especially the northeast. Additionally, their service networks vary by region—local Shanghai residents find SAIC Volkswagen 4S shops more accessible, while FAW-Volkswagen outlets are denser around Changchun. In terms of model updates, SAIC Volkswagen sometimes releases new models earlier, such as introducing the new energy ID series ahead of time, while FAW-Volkswagen excels in the stability of traditional models like the Tayron SUV. Overall, while both brands share Volkswagen's technology, user preferences tend to favor the more cost-effective option based on location.
