Volkswagen orders Qualcomm chips for infotainment in future smart cars
Qualcomm is set to become a key technology provider for Volkswagen in developing the Group’s new zonal SDV architecture. SDV stands for ‘Software-Defined Vehicle’, and the Wolfsburg-based company is known to be collaborating with US startup Rivian on the E/E architecture for its highly connected vehicles in the Western Hemisphere. To this end, both parties founded the joint venture RV Tech (“Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies”) in 2024. The joint system is scheduled to debut this year in the Rivian R2, with the first Volkswagen model featuring the new SDV architecture being the production version of the ID. EVERY1, expected to launch in 2027 and likely to be named ID.1 or ID.Up.
The zonal electronic architecture and accompanying software will be noticeable through new, highly automated driving functions and modern infotainment features. These are designed to remain up-to-date for years after delivery, thanks to contemporary over-the-air updates. In principle, the solutions developed by RV Tech are intended to be integrated into Volkswagen Group models based on the future SSP architecture (Scalable Systems Platform).
VW Relies on Snapdragon Digital Chassis Technology
Volkswagen has now selected Qualcomm as a key supplier for enhancing its vehicles’ software through a letter of intent. While the “long-term supply partnership” is not further defined, leaving the order volume, value, and duration of the agreement unclear, Volkswagen’s stated goal is to introduce advanced infotainment and connectivity functions supported by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis technology.
The partnership is being driven primarily by Audi and Volkswagen Passenger Cars, with the explicit aim of achieving a Group-wide impact. As part of the letter of intent, the Group brands also plan to integrate Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF and V2X technology into their upcoming SDV-based vehicles. This is expected to enable ultra-fast connectivity and real-time communication for safer, smarter, and more connected driving. Additionally, both companies have indicated they will explore further opportunities for joint innovation, “including AI-powered technologies to enhance safety, personalisation, and intelligent mobility.”
Both partners already have an established collaboration. An existing partnership with Qualcomm Technologies includes the Automated Driving Alliance (ADA), a joint initiative by Volkswagen’s software unit Cariad and Bosch to develop highly automated driving functions. Volkswagen sees this as confirmation of its strategy “to consolidate procurement of key components and expand expertise in integrating semiconductors and AI technologies […]”. The aim is to offer technologically leading products across various segments, price ranges, and international markets.
Within the Rivian-Volkswagen alliance, developers intend to use Qualcomm’s technology to create personalised digital driving experiences based on the zonal SDV architecture. This architecture is characterised by multiple modular central computers that control all vehicle functions. Future vehicles with this technology are expected to offer AI-powered features that proactively recognise occupants’ needs and provide active support, “from personalized climate and seating adjustments to optimized routes and multimodal voice or gesture controls.”
Cariad Also Contributes to the Overall Result
In parallel, the Automated Driving Alliance (ADA)—the aforementioned initiative by Cariad and Bosch—plans to use the Snapdragon Ride Elite platform to advance the development of automated driving. According to Volkswagen, the goal of ADA is to create an AI-based integrated system for highly automated driving that is scalable across brands and models and fully compatible with the SDV architecture. This is how Cariad, despite its recent challenges, is expected to contribute to the overall result.
Karsten Schnake, Board Member for Procurement at Volkswagen Passenger Cars and member of the Extended Group Board, commented: “Next-Gen infotainment solutions and driver assistance systems are becoming increasingly important for differentiating our products and now account for a significantly higher share of vehicle value. With Qualcomm Technologies as one partner for the future, we are securing long-term access to the semiconductors that are essential for these technologies.” Schnake added that Qualcomm is one of the leading providers of automotive semiconductors worldwide. “Together, we are continuing a trusted collaboration to deliver a greater efficiency, stability, and predictability in our supply chain – while strengthening our capabilities in developing key technology fields.”
Nakul Duggal, Executive Vice President of Qualcomm, is also pleased to deepen the collaboration. “The Snapdragon Digital Chassis provides the foundation for software-defined architectures, enabling next-generation infotainment and advanced 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 worldwide while providing the technology backbone needed to lead in the era of intelligent mobility.”
For Qualcomm, this is already the second publicly announced order from Germany within a few days. Earlier this week, supplier ZF announced its intention to create a platform for automated driving with the help of the US chip manufacturer. Automakers are expected to soon receive turnkey ADAS solutions for various vehicle types and automation levels up to Level 3 based on this cooperation.
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