The automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift, with carmakers like Volkswagen recognizing the need to embrace new technologies to stay competitive in the market. After facing setbacks in China due to tough competition from local electric vehicle manufacturers, Volkswagen is now focusing on a comeback strategy centered around AI and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
At the upcoming Auto Shanghai event, Volkswagen will unveil its new AI-powered ADAS platform, developed in collaboration with Chinese tech giant Horizon Robotics through their joint venture Carizon. This platform, which took just 18 months to develop, aims to enable automated driving systems that can eventually match human driving capabilities. Initially supporting Level 2++ automated driving, the platform paves the way for higher levels of automation in the future.
The ADAS platform, created by a team of 500 software engineers in Shanghai and Beijing, has impressive capabilities, including the ability to collect two terabytes of data per vehicle per day and record 100,000 kilometers of test driving information daily. Volkswagen plans to integrate this technology into its China-specific Compact Main Platform (CMP), making advanced driver assistance features more accessible in affordable vehicles.
While Volkswagen’s sales saw growth in other regions like North America, South America, and the Middle East/Africa, the decline in China was significant. By focusing on self-driving technologies, Volkswagen aims to tap into the growing trend of autonomous driving in China, where several cities have already permitted testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads.
In a collaborative effort to stay competitive in the EV industry, Japanese automakers Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have formed a consortium called ASRA to develop standardized semiconductor designs for next-generation vehicles. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between Japanese and Chinese automakers in terms of software-defined vehicles and autonomous driving capabilities.
Furthermore, a recent report highlighted China’s leadership in quality EV patents, despite having fewer patents overall compared to legacy automakers. Chinese companies like CATL and Huawei rank high in terms of technological impact, number of citations, and licensing scope, showcasing their strong position in the EV market.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, partnerships, technological advancements, and strategic initiatives will play a crucial role in shaping the future of electric vehicles and autonomous driving. Stay tuned for more updates from the Auto Shanghai event and the latest developments in the world of electric cars and technology.