VW y Rivian sacan conclusiones provisionales positivas sobre su empresa conjunta de software

Después de Volkswagen’s own software division, Cariad, had fallen short of expectations for years and was anything but efficient, the carmaker made a strategic U-turn following Oliver Blume’s appointment as CEO. Instead of developing the software entirely in-house, the new CEO of Volkswagen AG entered into far-reaching partnerships with other manufacturers in this area.

While in China, domestic high-tech manufacturer Xpeng is tasked with ensuring that VW’s infotainment and assistance systems meet the demands of local customers, a joint venture with Californian electric car manufacturer Rivian was established for the software of Western models.

Several points are reportedly causing discussion

However, as early as September 2025, following the IAA Mobility, the German business publication Manager Magazin reported tensions between the cooperation partners. These mainly concerned the transatlantic cooperation between VW and Rivian. The development of the software was progressing more slowly than hoped, which could also delay the market launch of the affected model series from the VW Group.

In addition, Rivian’s algorithms would not be compatible with combustion engine vehicles. Since these are set to play a greater role than previously planned at Volkswagen in the coming years, this poses a serious problem for the German car giant.

Added to this are discussions about the extent to which the VW Group’s brands are allowed to adapt Rivian’s software for their models. According to the report, as an interim solution, consideration was even given to transferring more responsibility back to the Group’s own software division, Cariad, which has recently been significantly downsized.

Cooperation partners appear to be working harmoniously

On the first anniversary of its founding, however, VW and Rivian are now giving a positive interim assessment of the joint venture known as ‘Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies,’ or ‘RV Tech’ for short – probably also to dispel any rumours. According to the two manufacturers, the joint development of the zonal electronic architecture and the associated software for ‘software-defined vehicles’ is progressing well.

Following their introduction in future production models, customers will be able to enjoy highly automated driving functions and modern infotainment features. Thanks to state-of-the-art over-the-air updates, these will be kept up to date even years after delivery – without the vehicle having to be taken to a workshop.

Volkswagen to begin initial winter testing soon

The solutions developed by RV Tech are to be used in the Group’s models based on Volkswagen’s future SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) architecture. Across all brands, the Wolfsburg-based company is planning a total volume of 30 million vehicles for the new electric platform.

However, the technologies developed as part of the joint venture are also to be used in future Rivian series. The mid-range SUV R2 is to be the first, followed in 2027 by the two compact crossovers R3 and R3X with retro styling.

Starting this winter, the performance of the technology developed in the project will be put to the test under harsh climatic conditions. In the first quarter of 2026, the VW, Audi, and Scout brands will begin their demanding winter tests to check the hardware’s resistance to cold temperatures. The ID. EVERY1, a prototype of the successor to the VW e-Up, will also be included in the tests.

The technology makes its debut in the entry-level segment

The microcar, which will compete with the new Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric in Europe from 2027, has been undergoing a wide range of tests since the summer at RV Tech’s Californian development laboratories in Palo Alto and Irvine. The little car, which Volkswagen will probably name ID.1 or ID.Up when it launches, is the first production model to feature SDV architecture.

VW has therefore decided to roll out its digital technologies of the future in the entry-level segment, making them accessible to as broad a target group as possible. However, the technical basis here is the upcoming MEB+ front-wheel drive platform, which is tailored to more affordable models.

The joint venture’s workforce is growing

The joint venture is growing steadily and now has 1,500 employees worldwide. Behind the scenes, RV Tech is already working on the next stages of development for the hardware and software architecture, which are set to make their debut in larger models based on the SSP platform at the end of the decade.

“Our joint venture with Rivian shows how we think and implement progress at the Volkswagen Group: quickly, precisely and with a focus on the customer. The architecture for our future software-defined vehicles is being developed there at high speed. All steps to achieve our ambitious goals are being implemented with determination and focus. In close cooperation with our brands, a technological basis has been created in just twelve months that will enable a new digital driving experience for our customers at affordable prices,” said VW Group CEO Oliver Blume.

Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe added: “We are excited about the work coming out of our joint venture with the Volkswagen Group. RV Tech has developed significantly over the past twelve months and will set new benchmarks in automotive technology. At Rivian, we are particularly looking forward to the market launch of the R2 in the first half of 2026, which will impressively demonstrate the progress made by the joint venture.”

Source: Info via email in German

Este artículo fue publicado por primera vez por Elias Holdenried para la edición alemana de electrive.