NEWS

Wolfsburg / Ingolstadt / Beijing – April 28, 2022. The Volkswagen Group’s software company, CARIAD, today announced its ambitious plan for China, marking the official establishment of CARIAD’s China subsidiary. The local team will drive and enhance the development of China-specific software products, including the co-development of the unified and scalable new software platform as well as ADAS and automated driving and next generation connectivity functions. 

Dirk Hilgenberg, CEO of CARIAD: “The launch of our subsidiary in China, one of the most exciting and dynamic markets in the world, marks an important milestone for CARIAD and underlines our strong commitment to the Chinese customers and market. Together with our China team, we are working towards one goal – to code the future of mobility.”

Chang Qing, CEO of CARIAD’s subsidiary in China: “China is a world leader in digital innovation, and consumers here expect new features and experiences on a daily basis. The newly established China team will enable us to quickly respond to local needs. We will develop, update and continuously improve our products at China-speed based on local customer expectations. Working closely with the Group’s brands and our three JV partners, we will provide software-enabled mobility solutions at great scale.”

With the mission of ‘In China for China, from China to the world’, the local team will drive the development of China-specific software products. These include ADAS and automated driving, next-generation connectivity, intelligent cockpit and body concepts, big data, and software operation systems. CARIAD teams in Europe and China will also work together on the new uniform and globally scalable software platform for all Group brands to reflect specific regional requirements. The whole technology stack is due to be rolled out by the middle of the decade, with Level 4 autonomous automated driving readiness.

Leveraging local talent is key to enhancing the company’s R&D competence in China. CARIAD is building a strong China team with software talents from Volkswagen Group China, as well as the Volkswagen and Audi brands, with an aim to double the team of 600 staff by end of 2023 – over 90% of whom will be from China. A nationwide distributed R&D network is also being built up, with Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Hefei earmarked as initial hub locations.

Dr. Sun Wei, CTO of CARIAD’s subsidiary in China: “With a faster R&D speed, a software development mindset and a China-specific technology concept, we can much more effectively satisfy the dynamic needs of local customers, regularly bring them fresh, smart, fun and safe travel experiences, and realize our goals in China, for China.”

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CARIAD China Strategy Day

Chang Qing, CEO of CARIAD’s subsidiary in China

Dr. Sun Wei, CTO of CARIAD’s subsidiary in China

Demonstration of ‘Rainbow’ Project