Volkswagen has agreed a long-term supply cooperation with Qualcomm Technologies starting in 2027, selecting the U.S. chipmaker as a key technology provider for next-generation infotainment, connectivity and software-defined vehicle (SDV) functions across its brands.
The agreement, formalised through a letter of intent, positions Qualcomm as a core supplier of system-on-chips and connectivity solutions for Volkswagen Group’s future zonal electronic architecture. While financial terms, volumes and duration were not disclosed, the partnership is intended to have a Group-wide impact, driven initially by Audi and Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
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Volkswagen is currently developing its SDV architecture in collaboration with U.S. electric vehicle maker Rivian through their joint venture, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (RV Tech), founded in 2024. The architecture is scheduled to debut this year in Rivian’s R2 model, with the first Volkswagen vehicle based on the system expected in 2027 in the production version of the ID. EVERY1 concept.
The new architecture is designed to support advanced infotainment, connectivity and highly automated driving functions, with continuous over-the-air software updates intended to keep vehicles current throughout their lifecycle. In the longer term, Volkswagen plans to integrate the technology into models built on its future Scalable Systems Platform (SSP).
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Under the cooperation, Volkswagen brands plan to adopt Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis technology, including Snapdragon SoCs for infotainment, Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) solutions. The companies said the technology will enable high-speed connectivity and real-time communication to support safer and more connected driving experiences, while also serving as a basis for future AI-enabled features.
“Next-generation infotainment solutions and driver assistance systems are becoming increasingly important for differentiating our products and now account for a significantly higher share of vehicle value,” said Karsten Schnake, board member for procurement at Volkswagen Passenger Cars and a member of the Extended Group Board. He said the partnership would secure long-term access to critical semiconductors and strengthen Volkswagen’s capabilities in key technology areas.
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Qualcomm said the agreement builds on an existing relationship with Volkswagen, which already includes cooperation within the Automated Driving Alliance (ADA), a joint initiative involving Volkswagen software unit Cariad and supplier Bosch. That programme uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride platforms to develop scalable, AI-based systems for highly automated driving.
“The Snapdragon Digital Chassis provides the foundation for software-defined architectures, enabling next-generation infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems that emphasize safety, performance and scalability,” said Nakul Duggal, executive vice president of Qualcomm. He said the collaboration would support “transformative in-vehicle experiences” as automakers move toward intelligent mobility.
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Within the Rivian-Volkswagen partnership, developers plan to use Qualcomm technology to create personalised digital driving experiences based on zonal control computers. These systems are expected to support AI-driven functions that anticipate occupants’ needs, such as adaptive climate control, seating adjustments and optimised routing.
For Qualcomm, the Volkswagen agreement marks its second major automotive collaboration announced in Germany in recent days, following a separate partnership disclosed by supplier ZF. The deals highlight growing demand among automakers for integrated semiconductor and software solutions as vehicles become increasingly software-defined.
