- Launch of high-performance systems-on-a-chip for advanced infotainment capabilities within the Volkswagen Group's Software Defined Vehicle architecture, developed through its joint venture with Rivian Automotive, Inc.
- The current collaboration also extends to the Automated Driving Alliance, an initiative led by CARIAD and Bosch, driving the further development of automated driving technologies.
The Volkswagen Group and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. today announced a Letter of Intent for a long-term supply agreement for advanced infotainment and connectivity capabilities powered by Snapdragon® Digital Chassis™ solutions. Under this agreement, Qualcomm Technologies would act as the Volkswagen Group's primary technology supplier for the launch of its SDV zonal architecture – developed for the Western Hemisphere through the Volkswagen Group's joint venture with Rivian Automotive, Inc. – Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (RV Tech) – providing high-performance systems-on-chips (SoCs) for infotainment capabilities starting in 2027. Currently, the collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies already extends to the Group's Automated Driving Alliance (ADA), formed by CARIAD and Bosch, to accelerate the development of highly automated driving. This intended agreement reinforces Volkswagen's strategy of consolidating the acquisition of key components and expanding expertise in the integration of semiconductors and AI technologies, ensuring scalable and future-proof mobility solutions across its vehicle portfolio.
Karsten Schnake, member of the Board of Management for Volkswagen Passenger Cars Purchasing and member of the Extended Executive Committee of the Volkswagen Group, said: “Next-generation infotainment solutions and driver assistance systems are becoming increasingly important for differentiating our products and now represent a significantly larger share of the vehicle's value. With Qualcomm Technologies as a partner for the future, we are securing long-term access to the essential semiconductors for these technologies. Qualcomm Technologies is among the leading global suppliers of automotive semiconductors. Together, we continue a trusted collaboration to ensure greater efficiency, stability, and predictability in our supply chain – while strengthening our capabilities in developing key technology areas.”
Werner Tietz, member of the Board of Management for Research and Development at SEAT SA and head of the Volkswagen Group's Research and Development, said: “High-performance semiconductors are the foundation for the next generation of connected vehicles. They allow us to perfectly align software and hardware. With access to these advanced chips, we aim to accelerate the development of powerful and scalable technologies to deliver a continuously evolving digital driving experience for our customers at competitive costs.”
Nakul Duggal, EVP and GM of the Automotive, Industrial, and Embedded IoT and Robotics Group at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., said: “We are proud to deepen our long-standing collaboration with the Volkswagen Group and act as a trusted partner for its future vehicle platforms. The Snapdragon® Digital Chassis™ provides the foundation for software-defined architectures, enabling next-generation advanced infotainment and driver assistance systems that emphasize safety, performance, and scalability. Together with Volkswagen, we are delivering transformative in-vehicle experiences for millions of drivers and passengers around the world, while providing the technological backbone needed to lead in the era of intelligent mobility.”
Enrico Salvatori, SVP and President of Qualcomm Europe, Inc., said: “The Volkswagen Group is moving towards a fully software-defined future, and we are proud of the Snapdragon Digital Chassis, which will be a key enabler of this transformation. This collaboration builds on the trust and momentum we have built over many years and reinforces Qualcomm Technologies” commitment to delivering the high-performance computing, connectivity, and AI capabilities that modern vehicle architectures demand. Together, we are advancing a modern, software-defined, AI-ready, and globally scalable vehicle architecture – supporting upgradable infotainment and accelerating the development of highly automated driving.”
Key technological foundation for SDV architecture and highly automated driving functions.
The Volkswagen Group's joint venture with Rivian Automotive, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (RV Tech), aims to leverage the Snapdragon® Cockpit™ platform for immersive digital experiences based on the SDV zonal architecture.
In the SDV architecture, high-performance modular central computers manage all vehicle functions. Customers can benefit from advanced infotainment systems and highly automated driving functions, updated and expanded over the air – keeping vehicles up-to-date and improving the driving experience. The Volkswagen Group will integrate the SDV architecture in the Western Hemisphere into the ID.EVERY1 and all future electric vehicles built on the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). The Group aims to offer technologically advanced products in different segments, price ranges, and international markets.
Vehicles using the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform can help deliver AI-driven, agent-based experiences that anticipate needs, adapt in real time, and offer proactive assistance – from personalized climate and seating adjustments to optimized routes and multimodal voice or gesture controls.
Working with the Volkswagen Group and Qualcomm Technologies, the Automated Driving Alliance (ADA), formed by CARIAD and Bosch, aims to leverage Snapdragon Ride Elite – Qualcomm Technologies' most powerful automotive computing platform – to advance the development of automated driving. The goal: an AI-based system for highly automated driving, scalable across brands and model lines, and fully compatible with SDV (Sports Digital Vehicle). Powered by an end-to-end AI architecture, Snapdragon Ride Elite offers ultra-low latency for sensor processing and real-time decision-making.
The intended supply agreement is being actively driven by AUDI AG and Volkswagen Passenger Cars, aiming to achieve an impact across the Group. As part of the intended agreement, the Group brands also intend to integrate Snapdragon® 5G Modem RF and V2X technology into next-generation SDV-based vehicles, enabling ultra-fast connectivity and real-time communication for safer, smarter, and more connected driving. The companies will also explore new development opportunities in automotive innovation, including AI-based technologies that can enhance safety, personalization, and intelligent mobility.
About the Volkswagen Group:
The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's leading automakers, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. It operates globally, with 115 production facilities in 17 European countries and 10 countries in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. It employs approximately 680,000 people worldwide. The Group's vehicles are sold in more than 150 countries.
With a comprehensive portfolio of strong global brands, leading technologies at scale, innovative ideas to leverage future profits, and an entrepreneurial leadership team, the Volkswagen Group is committed to shaping the future of mobility through investments in electric and autonomous vehicles, digitalization, and sustainability. The goal: As a “Global Automotive Tech Driver,” to make the best automotive technologies accessible to customers worldwide – from entry-level mobility to the luxury segment.
In 2024, the total number of vehicles delivered to customers by the Group globally was 9.0 million (2023: 9.2 million). The Group's sales revenue in 2024 totaled EUR 324.7 billion (2023: EUR 322.3 billion). Operating profit in 2024 was EUR 19.1 billion (2023: EUR 22.5 billion).
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm relentlessly innovates to deliver intelligent computing everywhere, helping the world address some of its most pressing challenges. Our proven solutions drive transformations across major industries, and our Snapdragon®-branded platforms deliver extraordinary consumer experiences. Building on nearly 40 years of leadership in setting industry standards and creating era-defining technological advancements, we deliver cutting-edge AI, high-performance, low-power computing, and unparalleled connectivity. Together with our ecosystem partners, we enable next-generation digital transformation to enrich lives, improve businesses, and empower societies. At Qualcomm, we are advancing human progress.
Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, virtually all of our engineering, research and development functions and virtually all of our product and service businesses, including our QCT semiconductor business. Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm patents are licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated.
Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
Qualcomm, Snapdragon, Digital Chassis, and Snapdragon Ride are registered trademarks or trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated.
