Auto China 2026: Volkswagen Group Unveils Record Product Offensive and Agentic AI Roadmap for China
on the locally developed China Electronic Architecture (CEA) with CARIZON’s ADAS solution; JETTA’s all-electric show car JETTA X for the smart entry segment; and the exterior reveal of China exclusive AUDI brand’s second serial production car, the E7X. “Agentic AI for all” roadmap: From 2026, vehicles based on Volkswagen’s China Electronic Architecture will feature onboard AI Agents enabling highly intuitive, human-like interaction between vehicle and customer while ensuring robust personal data protection. From 2027, the next-generation CEA 2.0 will integrate intelligent driving and cockpit control into a unified system across all powertrain types empowered by Agentic AI , marking the Volkswagen Group’s next step towards the AI -Defined-Vehicle era in China.
China is a key driver of our transformation and a vital force behind our global ambitions. The products and technologies we are unveiling at Auto China 2026 are a striking testament to the strength of our comprehensive localization
“In China, for China”: Four world premieres and the latest AI-powered systems make their debut at the Volkswagen Group Night in Beijing
With its largest-ever product campaign for electric vehicles, the Volkswagen Group is consistently implementing its “In China, for China” strategy—starting with “Auto China 2026” in Beijing.Under the motto “Rise Up”, the Volkswagen Group will present ten models from four brands at its Media Night on April 21, while also giving a preview of how AI -powered systems will help shape the future of mobility.Four world premieres at the Group Media Night: The JETTA brand is unveiling its first show car for smart electric mobility in the entry-level segment; Volkswagen brand is introducing its second ID. UNYX model developed as part of its partnership with XPENG; FAW-Volkswagen will unveil its first all-electric model of the ID. AURA series based on the China Electronic Architecture (CEA). In addition, AUDI debuts the exterior of its second series production model, the AUDI E7X
Group Night Auto China 2026
technological developments that will shape mobility in the coming years through AI -based systems. All highlights, including recordings, are available on this event page.
China is a key driver of our transformation and a vital force behind our global ambitions. The products and technologies we are unveiling at Auto China 2026 are a striking testament to the strength of our comprehensive localization strategy. This is a crucial milestone in our quest to regain the lead in China and on our journey to becoming the ‘Global Automotive Tech Driver’. Oliver Blume
Our ‘in China, for China’ strategy is now taking to the roads. In just 36 months, the Volkswagen Group has developed a completely new product portfolio for smart electric vehicles in China. This year alone, we will launch 20 new smart electric vehicles onto the market. With state-of-the-art electrical architectures, ADAS systems, an intelligent cockpit and AI features, we are fulfilling all the key demands of our Chinese customers. The
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Boosting innovation, reshaping mobility: Volkswagen Group invests in AI
Up to one billion euros in investments planned by 2030 for AI -driven vehicle development, industrial applications, and high-performance IT infrastructure.Efficiency gains and cost avoidance opportunities of up to four billion euros expected by 2035.AI is set to significantly accelerate development processes for new vehicle models and technologies.Expansion of European infrastructure: Volkswagen is strengthening its digital resilience against external risks and influences.Hauke Stars, Member of the Board of Management for IT at Volkswagen Group: “AI is our key to greater speed, quality, and competitiveness. Our ambition: No process without AI .”
Volkswagen Group intends to invest up to one billion euros in the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI ) by 2030 as part of its existing investment planning. The company announced this during the IAA Mobility trade fair. The focus is on AI -supported vehicle development, industrial applications, and the expansion of high-performance IT infrastructures
TRATON starts cooperation on cybersecurity and AI with RISE
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) Long term cooperation intended Initial focus on cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI )TRATON COO Christian Levin: “Cooperation with RISE will foster our development of new competences.”Scania and TRATON will jointly drive the cooperation
TRATON and the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) will start a long-term cooperation that will initially focus on cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI ). TRATON and RISE have therefore signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will serve as a platform for a long-term and strategic relationship. As the first step, the cooperation will concentrate on cybersecurity and AI , but the project portfolio will be flexible over time. “Innovation is an important pillar of our Global Champion Strategy. The cooperation with RISE will foster our development of new competences on very important technologies,” says Christian Levin, TRATON Board member responsible
Car Brain Challenge “Re-inCARnate Herbie”
unique international competition that invites the most talented minds at universities worldwide to shape the next generation of vehicle intelligence. Inspired by Herbie, the legendary Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of its own, students, PhDs and postdocs are developing AI systems that are not only autonomous but also equipped with personality, adaptability, and the ability to act.
Together, we are turning the car into an intelligent companion for the 21st century.
The starting signal was given at the IAA 2025 The official announcement of our “Re-inCARnate Herbie” Tech Challenge took place at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich. These impressions show why this challenge is not just a competition, but a milestone on the road to the AI -defined vehicle. Who is Herbie – and why are we following in his footsteps? Herbie is a fictional character from Disney’s classic film series, first appearing in The Love Bug (1968). Portrayed as a sentient Volkswagen Beetle with emotions, personality and a mind of its
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Artificial Intelligence in the Automotive Industry
artificial intelligence (AI ) can improve the result so that we can offer our customers even more attractive products and organize our work more efficiently.
Wherever we see potential, we utilize artificial intelligence in a targeted manner. Scalable, responsible and with clear industrial benefits. Our ambition: AI everywhere, in every process. Hauke Stars
The value of artificial intelligence – no process without AI
For us, AI is a strategic driver on the road to the future of the automotive industry. Whether in autonomous driving or in quality assurance, in the supply chain or in administrative work: We are bringing artificial intelligence into all areas. In this way, we are accelerating development cycles, automating processes and promoting new ideas – including in design and material construction. This is how we are actively shaping the future of the automotive industry.
Artificial intelligence in practice – more than 1,200 AI applications in use Over 1,200 AI applications are already
A visit to Volkswagen's AI experts: "Machines that can think are only for the movies"
working on the development of self-learning programs. In future, their development work could provide better support for their colleagues at the office and factory in many corporate processes. However, one thing is important for the Volkswagen specialists: if you are looking for machines that can think, you will find them in Hollywood rather than in the Data Lab.
"Machines that can think are only for the movies. They have nothing to do with our work," says Prof. Dr. Patrick van der Smagt, Head of AI Research at the Data Lab. "We develop algorithms that independently learn how to detect and predict specific patterns and laws so that optimum decisions can be made." The key is machine learning or, to put it in simple terms, the ability of a program to link data, analyze interconnections and make predictions. However, van der Smagt and his team are going considerably further. Their work is based on deep neural networks. For neural networks of this type, the Data Lab specialists combine information
