Volkswagen Group and NXP Semiconductors have agreed to collaborate on the development of Volkswagen Group’s future software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture. Under the agreement, NXP’s S32K5 family of microcontrollers will support zonal control systems intended for use across the Group’s brands and vehicle segments. The first vehicle featuring the architecture is planned for 2027.
The companies announced the partnership ahead of the International Suppliers Fair (IZB) in Wolfsburg, Germany. The agreement forms part of Volkswagen Group’s semiconductor strategy and its efforts to standardize electronic technologies across its vehicle portfolio.
Microcontrollers to Support Zonal Controls
Modern vehicles use electronic control units (ECUs) to manage functions ranging from lighting and comfort systems to chassis and safety features. As the number of digital functions increases, managing them through separate control units can add complexity to vehicle development and parts management.
Zonal architecture groups vehicle functions according to their physical location, allowing fewer controllers to manage multiple systems. NXP’s S32K5 microcontrollers are intended to serve as core processors within these zonal controllers, connecting sensors and actuators and processing data from specific areas of a vehicle.
Separate high-performance processors will handle central computing tasks, including advanced infotainment and AI-enabled functions such as automated driving.
Architecture Developed With Rivian
The microcontrollers will support the zonal architecture being developed by Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (RV Tech), a joint venture between Volkswagen Group and Rivian.
The architecture is intended for use across vehicles from both companies, while allowing each brand to develop its own features and user experiences. Volkswagen Group expects the shared approach to reduce hardware complexity and support the integration of software-based functions across multiple vehicle platforms.
The companies have not identified the first vehicle model that will use the architecture.
Volkswagen Group Expands Semiconductor Cooperation
Volkswagen Group has been developing direct relationships with semiconductor suppliers as part of its wider technology and procurement strategy. The company says these partnerships are intended to improve supply planning and coordinate chip development with its vehicle requirements.
Karsten Schnake, a member of the Extended Executive Committee and the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Procurement, said:
“Semiconductors are strategic technology for the automotive industry. Over the past years, we have systematically expanded our technology ecosystem and built partnerships with leading companies across the value chain. Our partnership with NXP is another step in this journey, showing how Volkswagen Group is taking a more active role in the semiconductor value chain: defining our technology needs early, leveraging our scale across brands and creating greater long-term planning certainty for both sides.”
Werner Tietz, a member of the Extended Volkswagen Group Executive Committee responsible for Group Research and Development, said the architecture would provide a common technology base for multiple brands and vehicle segments.
NXP Outlines Microcontroller Capabilities
NXP said its S32K5 microcontrollers are designed to support real-time computing, secure over-the-air software updates and the consolidation of functions that might otherwise require separate chips and control units.
Rafael Sotomayor, president and CEO of NXP Semiconductors, said:
“Intelligent, software-defined vehicles must operate safely, securely and reliably. Together with Volkswagen Group and RV Tech, NXP is bringing scalable real-time compute, trusted edge intelligence and continuous software innovation together to create a scalable foundation for the next generation of intelligent vehicles.”
Lars Reger, executive vice president and CTO of NXP Semiconductors, said the S32K5 family had been selected for RV Tech’s zonal architecture to support real-time processing, software updates and the consolidation of vehicle functions.
The first vehicle using the new architecture is planned for 2027. Further details on the initial model and implementation schedule have not been disclosed.