Innovation has been a sustained effort for Audi

It has a virtual cockpit with the traditional dashboard and displays replaced by an all-new man-to-machine interaction system. Another forward-looking feature is the Audi phone box that links the driver's cell phone to the vehicle's electrical system and can charge it as necessary.

Audi is also a pioneer and a leading player in self-driving vehicles. In October, an RS 7 piloted driving concept set a record by racing at more 240 km/hour on the Hockenheimring circuit in the Rhine Valley of Germany.

Besides solutions for future mobility, Audi is making daily innovations to ensure the safety of drivers, sometimes even before drivers realize they need the change.

One example is vehicle lights. In 2008, Audi made history in the auto industry by using full-LED front lights on its R8. In 2013, it equipped its new A8 with the world's first matrix LED whose individually controlled light-emitting diodes guarantee excellent visibility without causing glare to oncoming traffic. In 2014, Audi introduced laser lights that are three times brighter than LEDs.

Audi is also among the first premium automakers to equip its models with a night vision system. Its far-infrared camera can capture the images of objects 300 meters ahead and alert the driver if they come within 130 meters.

The automaker is also working hard to develop light car bodies. Its 1994 Audi A8 was the first sedan worldwide to have an all-aluminum body. The technology was transferred to FAW-Volkswagen in 2012, making it the first automaker in China to gain the know-how.

Audi is now introducing other materials such as aluminum alloys, high-performance steel and carbon fiber to produce lighter models.

But the company added that the goal is not solely to reduce weight but to "use the right materials in the right parts".

Another feature is the Amoled rear-view mirror. It can capture images through a camera outside the vehicle to replace the traditional centrally located rear-view mirror and reduce the impact of strong light on drivers.

AUDI'S LINEUP BY THE NUMBERS

· Current lineup has more than 10 e-tron models.

· In pure electric mode, A3 Sportback e-tron can run up to 50 km and has a top speed of 130 km/hour. It takes about five hours to fully charge on household sockets.

· In hybrid mode, it has a maximum output of 150 kW, top torque of 350 Nm and can run at 222 km/hour. The zero to 100 km/hour sprint takes 7.6 seconds.

· In 2014, Audi introduced laser lights that are three times brighter than LEDs.