Horizon and Volkswagen Team Up to Scale Smart Driving Technology Deployment

November 5, 2024– At the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Volkswagen Group China announced that CARIZON, its joint venture established between its software company CARIAD and leading AI-driven computing platform company Horizon Robotics, will independently design and develop system-level computing solutions in China. These solutions will provide robust support for Volkswagen Group's advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving systems in China. Leveraging Horizon's deep expertise in software-hardware co-design, high-performance computing solutions, and mass production, the partnership will further advance Volkswagen Group’s “in China, for China” strategy.

The development of these integrated computing solutions will combine Volkswagen Group's global experience in engineering and system integration with Horizon's strength in full-stack, software-defined computing and local mass-production capabilities. The aim is to co-create the "smart brain" for the next generation of intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) in China. Focusing on "intelligent efficiency," the solution will optimize algorithms to achieve an optimal balance between computing power consumption and system performance, enhancing the safety and scalability of Volkswagen's ADAS in China. This will enable vehicles to "think" by processing massive real-time data from cameras and sensors, allowing for safer, smoother, and more intelligent decision-making in complex driving scenarios. Ultimately, this will help Volkswagen Group deliver a mobility experience tailored to local road conditions and user driving habits.

The first ADAS solution from CARIZON is scheduled to enter mass production in 2025, marking the successful completion of the "first phase" of the joint R&D collaboration in China. With the launch of this self-developed system-level computing solution, the "second phase" of cooperation officially begins. Horizon will further empower Volkswagen Group to strengthen its full-stack local R&D capabilities for intelligent driving, accelerating the mass production and commercial deployment of high-performance, safe, and reliable integrated ADAS solutions.

Quotes from Leadership:

Dr. Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group:

“As a global technology-driven company, Volkswagen Group is continuously strengthening its innovative foundations in key future technologies. The Chinese market plays a crucial role in this process. By independently designing and developing system-level computing solutions in China, we are mastering key technologies for the future of intelligent mobility. This will further solidify the Group’s long-term innovation capabilities and position China as a vital hub for our global innovation.”

Ralf Brandstätter, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG and Chairman & CEO of Volkswagen Group China:

“We are accelerating the implementation of our ‘in China, for China’ strategy, moving from localized production to the localized R&D of core technologies that will shape future mobility. The launch of this self-developed system-level computing solution project marks another critical step in our technological journey and reaffirms our long-term commitment to centering on the needs of Chinese customers. We aim to integrate smarter, safer, and smoother driving experiences into the daily lives of Chinese consumers.”

Peter Bosch, CEO of CARIAD:

“This system-level computing solution, custom-developed by CARIZON, represents a key step forward in our intelligent driving strategy and a significant leap in the Group’s R&D capabilities in China for this field. Going forward, we will not only deepen the development of autonomous driving software but also independently design system-level computing solutions that deliver both high performance and high efficiency. As a global automotive technology driver, Volkswagen Group will use this solution to further enhance the performance of ADAS, offering Chinese consumers more intelligent, reliable, and accessible mobility experiences.”

Dr. Kai Yu, Founder & CEO of Horizon Robotics:

“This cooperation further deepens the strategic partnership between Horizon and Volkswagen Group and demonstrates Volkswagen’s long-term trust in and commitment to the Chinese market. We are delighted to work hand-in-hand with Volkswagen Group and its brands to bring safe, intelligent, and accessible mobility experiences to more users. In the future, we will continue to journey together to promote the scaled application of intelligent driving technology, ensuring that innovation truly becomes part of every user’s daily travel.”

As the automotive industry transformation deepens, technological innovation has become the core force driving industrial upgrading and market competition. The "deep co-creation" model built by Horizon and Volkswagen Group not only fosters breakthroughs in core technologies but also lays a solid foundation for the safe and reliable mass deployment of intelligent driving solutions through an open and enduring partnership paradigm.

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