Volkswagen Group and Qualcomm Technologies said they have signed a letter of intent outlining a long-term supply partnership focused on advanced infotainment and connectivity systems for future vehicles.
Under the proposed agreement, Qualcomm would become Volkswagen Group’s primary technology provider for infotainment system-on-chips, supplying processors based on its Snapdragon Digital Chassis portfolio to support the carmaker’s zonal software-defined vehicle architecture, with initial deployments expected from 2027.
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The software-defined vehicle architecture for the Western hemisphere is being developed through Volkswagen’s joint venture with Rivian Automotive, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, and is intended to enable centralized computing, over-the-air updates and expandable digital vehicle functions.
Volkswagen said the planned collaboration supports its strategy to consolidate procurement of critical components while strengthening in-house capabilities in semiconductors and artificial intelligence, as digital features account for a growing share of overall vehicle value.
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The partnership builds on existing cooperation between the two companies, including work within Volkswagen’s Automated Driving Alliance, and may also extend to integrating 5G and vehicle-to-everything technologies in future models to enhance connectivity and support highly automated driving.
Source: Qualcomm