Volkswagen Group Accelerates Autonomous Vehicle Collaboration with Mobileye

By strengthening its partnership with Mobileye, the Volkswagen Group is making a major step towards automated driving technology. This alliance will aim to accelerate the adoption of Autonomous Driving Technologies by Volkswagen Group's various brands, e.g. Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche.

Mobileye, a top provider of automated driving technologies, is set to deliver its Mobileye SuperVision and Mobileye Chauffeur platforms to Volkswagen. These technologies provide for a wide range of sophisticated driver assistance systems both on the road and in cities. Automatic overtakes on multilane roads, automatic stopping at red lights and stop signs, advanced support for intersections and roundabouts shall be included in the functions. Volkswagen's commercial vehicle business will also be covered by this collaboration, with Mobileye supplying the technology components for their automated driving system.

Mobileye and Volkswagen's collaboration includes developing Level 2 ('partially automated driving') functions, where drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel but must stay attentive to traffic. The partnership also encompasses Level 3 ('highly automated driving'), allowing vehicles to take over driving tasks temporarily within specific operational domains, reducing the need for constant driver monitoring.

Volkswagen Group has strategically structured its partnerships and internal development efforts in a move to further develop advanced technologies. The Volkswagen Group is set to rely on its own complete in-house system for driver assistance systems, leveraging partnerships with Bosch and Qualcomm, along with Horizon Robotics in China. This approach is aimed at ensuring rapid innovation while maintaining a focused development strategy.

Moreover, Mobileye will offer production-ready functions for the new E3 1.2 software architecture, which is managed by Volkswagen's Cariad company. The new architecture will be implemented across multiple brands, allowing for tailored brand-specific driving experiences. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will also utilize Mobileye's technology to achieve Level 4 ("fully automated driving") capabilities. This technology will be applied to fully electric development platforms like the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, targeting mobility and transportation services.

According to analysts at Vantage Market Research, the market for autonomous vehicles is projected to reach USD 330 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.5%. The global Autonomous Vehicles industry is influenced by a combination of factors, including technological progress, legal developments and consumer acceptance. Thanks to advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning and sensors such as LiDAR and radar, the development of autonomous driving systems has been accelerated. With some countries and regions introducing legislation to facilitate testing and commercialization of autonomous vehicles, legal frameworks are being developed in order to promote a secure deployment of autonomous vehicles. Also, the growing consumer interest in autonomous technologies is influenced by the potential to improve safety, reduce traffic congestion and increase mobility for those who do not have a choice of transport.