Volkswagen is putting its new China-focused models through their paces in a massive testing lab in Hefei, China.
The vehicles are part of the automaker's 'in China, for China' strategy, which aims to revive its fortunes in the world's biggest car market.
Volkswagen has invested $3.5 billion in cutting-edge development facilities in Hefei and struck deals with local tech firms to develop cars with advanced digital technology.
The company is set to launch more than 20 new cars in China this year, starting with the Volkswagen ID. Unyx 07, which features powerful central computers for higher levels of autonomy and AI-powered features.
Volkswagen developed the self-driving technology in partnership with Horizon Robotics, a Beijing-based tech company, and plans to release a more advanced version later this year.
The company's profit in China has collapsed as it has lost market share and poured money into local development and partnerships.
Volkswagen expects its Chinese operations to generate a profit of less than $500 million this year, down from $5 billion a decade ago.
The recovery will ultimately depend on how many Chinese consumers buy the new cars, which are designed to appeal to a younger demographic and offer features such as autonomous driving and AI-powered assistants.
