How is artificial intelligence used in the automotive industry?
A: Artificial intelligence performs a wide range of tasks in the automotive industry. For example:
- In vehicle development, AI supports simulations and testing.
- In production, AI can detect errors, check component quality or help use energy more efficiently.
- In the vehicle, AI supports automated driving functions and voice assistants.
At the Volkswagen Group, AI is also used for software testing, cybersecurity and knowledge sharing.
What are the benefits of AI for the automotive industry?
A: Artificial intelligence can make the automotive industry faster and more efficient. It can shorten development times, take over repetitive tasks and help identify errors earlier.
At the Volkswagen Group, for example, AI-supported virtual tests and simulations are intended to help reduce the development time for new vehicles to 36 months or less – at least 25 percent faster than before. In production, AI can also help use energy and materials more efficiently, reduce costs and lower CO₂ emissions.
How many AI applications are already in use at Volkswagen?
A: More than 1,400 AI applications are already in use across the Volkswagen Group. In Technical Development alone, more than 100 AI-based processes were put into production in 2025. AI supports the development, simulation and testing of vehicles and functions there.
What role does the human play when artificial intelligence is used in the car?
A: Artificial intelligence supports people in the car, but does not fundamentally replace them. AI can, for example, understand speech, provide information or assist with the driving task. The responsibility that remains with the human depends on the specific function and level of automation:
- Up to Level 2, the human remains responsible for driving and must monitor the system.
- Level 3: The vehicle drives independently under certain conditions. The human must take over when prompted.
- From Level 4 onward, no human takeover is required within the defined operating range.
The Volkswagen Group also demonstrates how AI supports driving: AI-based systems for automated driving can perceive and interpret the surroundings and prepare driving decisions. At the same time, AI makes it easier to operate the vehicle, for example through voice assistants.
How will the use of AI in the automotive industry develop in the future?
A: In the future, artificial intelligence will take on more complex tasks in the car. One example is AI agents: They do not simply respond to commands, but can recognize intentions, integrate multiple vehicle systems and perform appropriate actions.
The Volkswagen Group is already implementing this development: From 2026, vehicles based on the China Electronic Architecture (CEA) in China will be equipped with an AI agent. From 2027, CEA 2.0 is intended to connect multiple AI agents – a step toward the “AI-Defined Vehicle.”
AI is also set to become significantly more important outside the vehicle. By 2030, the Volkswagen Group plans to invest up to one billion euros in AI applications and the required IT infrastructure. AI is intended to help develop vehicles faster and further improve production processes.
