German Volkswagen’s European mass-produced vehicles to adopt software tailored for China market
Reuters (Japanese edition), October 27: German automotive giant Volkswagen (VW) may extend software currently used in vehicles sold in China to its mass-produced models in Europe. The report emerged on the 26th, as disclosed by Manager Magazin. If implemented, this move would render the role of Volkswagen’s U.S. partner, Rivian Automotive, obsolete.
Historically, Volkswagen has maintained independent software operations. For the Chinese market, it has adopted an architecture co-developed with Xpeng Motors. In Western markets, it has pursued proprietary technology development in collaboration with Rivian. This dual-track approach forms a core component of CEO Oliver Blume’s $5.8 billion Softoair strategy investment initiative.
According to reports, the jointly developed “electronic architecture” system is expected to serve as the foundation for future vehicle platforms across Volkswagen Group’s core brands—Volkswagen, Skoda, and Cupra.
Thomas Schäfer, head of the Volkswagen brand, is scheduled to present the proposal to management on the 27th. The objective is for these three brands to capture approximately three-quarters of sales in the next generation of electric vehicles in Europe.
Volkswagen has underperformed in the software domain. The group’s complex product portfolio—from the Volkswagen brand to premium marques such as Audi and Porsche, along with its software subsidiary Cariado—has become a barrier to further integration and advancement.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880184982172748/
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