Volkswagen Group Taps Qualcomm for Semiconductors to Power Next-Gen SDV Architecture
Volkswagen Group and Qualcomm have signed a letter of intent to supply high-performance chips for a new software-defined vehicle architecture launching in 2027.
- 2027
What Happened
Under the intended agreement, Qualcomm Technologies would become Volkswagen Group's primary tech provider for its zonal software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture, developed through the joint venture RV Tech with Rivian. The deal covers high-performance system-on-chips (SoCs) for infotainment starting in 2027, as well as 5G and V2X connectivity for next-generation vehicles.
“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.”
“We are proud to deepen our longstanding collaboration with Volkswagen Group and serve as a trusted partner for its future vehicle platforms. The Snapdragon Digital Chassis provides the foundation for software-defined architectures, enabling next-generation infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems.”
Why this matters
This partnership will enable Volkswagen to create cars that can update over the air, offering improved infotainment and automated driving features, making vehicles smarter and more customizable.
Terms in This Story
- SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle)
- A vehicle whose functions and features are controlled by software that can be updated over the air, similar to a smartphone.
- SoC (System-on-Chip)
- A single chip that integrates multiple components like a processor, graphics, and connectivity, used to power car infotainment and driving systems.
- Snapdragon Digital Chassis
- Qualcomm's platform of chips and software that enables connected, intelligent, and automated vehicle features.
- V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything)
- Technology that allows vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and pedestrians for safety and efficiency.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.