Volkswagen Group plans to work more closely with Qualcomm to bring better screens, faster internet and smarter systems to its cars. The two companies have signed a Letter of Intent for a long-term deal, with new technology expected to start appearing in Volkswagen cars from 2027. Under this plan, Qualcomm will become Volkswagen Group’s main
Volkswagen Group plans to work more closely with Qualcomm to bring better screens, faster internet and smarter systems to its cars. The two companies have signed a Letter of Intent for a long-term deal, with new technology expected to start appearing in Volkswagen cars from 2027.
Under this plan, Qualcomm will become Volkswagen Group’s main technology supplier for infotainment and connectivity systems. These systems will use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis technology and will be part of Volkswagen’s new software-based car platform, known as SDV. This platform is being developed together with Rivian for cars sold mainly in Western markets.
The new setup means cars will use powerful central computers to control many functions. Drivers will get better infotainment systems, smarter driver assistance features and regular software updates sent over the air. This helps keep cars up to date even years after purchase.
Volkswagen says modern screens, software and driver assistance systems are now very important and make up a big part of a car’s value. By working closely with Qualcomm, the company wants a stable supply of key computer chips and better control over future technology.
The technology will be used in future electric vehicles, including models built on Volkswagen’s new Scalable Systems Platform. Cars using this system can also support AI features, such as voice control, smart navigation, and personalised settings for seats and air-conditioning.
Qualcomm will also support Volkswagen’s work on automated driving. Together with partners like Bosch, the companies aim to use Snapdragon Ride Elite chips to develop advanced driving systems that can react quickly and safely in real time.
In addition, future Volkswagen cars are expected to use fast 5G internet and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, allowing cars to talk to other vehicles and road systems for safer and smarter driving.
Overall, the planned partnership shows Volkswagen’s move towards fully software-driven cars, with Qualcomm providing the key technology to support future infotainment, connectivity and automated driving systems across many brands and markets.