Volkswagen Group and Horizon Robotics have expanded their collaboration on intelligent driving technologies, aiming to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced driver assistance systems across Volkswagen’s portfolio in China. The latest move builds on an existing joint venture, CARIZON, and centers on Horizon’s full-scenario smart driving solution, Horizon SuperDrive (HSD).
The partnership is aligned with Volkswagen’s “in China, for China” strategy, focusing on local innovation and technology integration in the world’s largest automotive market. CARIZON, established in November 2023, brings together Horizon’s expertise in autonomous driving with Volkswagen’s manufacturing scale. The venture currently employs more than 500 engineers developing end-to-end smart driving systems tailored for China’s complex urban environments.
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A Level 2+ intelligent driving system, based on Horizon’s Journey 6 chip, is undergoing road testing and is scheduled to be introduced in 2026 in a new all-electric compact vehicle based on Volkswagen’s China Electric Architecture (CEA). The system is designed to handle various challenging scenarios, such as urban intersections and narrow internal roads, with a high degree of autonomy and smooth performance.
The HSD platform, powered by the Journey 6P chip, features integrated hardware and software that enables responsive driving behavior in real time. It also includes a visual interface to help drivers understand the system’s perception of the surrounding environment, aimed at improving user confidence in the technology.
The expanded cooperation comes at a time when China’s automotive industry is rapidly adopting intelligent mobility solutions. Volkswagen’s partnership with Horizon Robotics reflects its efforts to strengthen its technological presence in the region and adapt to evolving consumer expectations for advanced vehicle features.
