Artificial Intelligence in the Automotive Industry
For us, artificial intelligence is the key to greater speed, quality and competitiveness. In every process, we examine how 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 active across the Group, with hundreds more in development or about to be implemented. Artificial intelligence is used in all central areas of the Volkswagen Group: from vehicle development and production to cybersecurity and also in the Group-wide exchange of knowledge. We want to become significantly faster and more efficient through the consistent, scalable use of AI along the entire automotive value chain.
Advantages through AI We use artificial intelligence to improve our products and processes. The difference is tangible: more attractive vehicles and faster availability of technologieseven better service for customersmore efficient use of energy and materials in productionlower costs and CO₂ emissions
Artificial intelligence – human judgment
AI needs rules, and this also applies to the automotive industry.
Innovation in the Automotive Industry
The car of the future
Software, artificial intelligence and advanced driver assistance systems are at the center of our vehicle development. With many innovations, we are making the vehicle of the future safer, more comfortable and more entertaining. When it comes to electric cars and major trends, we combine our automotive expertise with the technological knowledge of leading partners worldwide – and adapt it to the needs of our customers in different markets.
Battery and energy
Battery technology is becoming a key factor in global competition. We are taking big steps into the future in this field – with research and development in cell chemistry, the highly scalable use of our standardized cell and our own battery production.
Highly automated and autonomous driving
We are pushing autonomous driving forward, enabling new mobility options for more and more people. We are already increasing safety and comfort for our customers with innovative driver assistance systems. This makes us the only automotive company that combines innovation, value creation and business operations based on autonomous driving.
Artificial intelligence
We are resolutely driving forward the digitalization of our company. For us, artificial intelligence is the key to greater speed, quality and competitiveness – from development through to vehicle production. In every process and every development, we examine how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the result in order to offer our customers even more attractive products and make our work more efficient.
Partnerships
With our brands, experience and global expertise, we are uniquely positioned worldwide. We are expanding our capabilities in a targeted manner by collaborating with leading technology partners. Our credo: We develop the best technologies for our customers – as quickly as possible.
IAA Mobility 2025
The IAA MOBILITY will take place in Munich from 9th to 14th September, 2025.
The Car of the Future
The car of the future is digitally connected, intelligent and safer than ever before. The Volkswagen Group is driving forward the software-defined vehicle. This means powerful, scalable electronics architectures and software for digitally high-performance vehicles – across all segments.
Automobile mobility of tomorrow – far more than just driving a car
From generative AI in the cockpit to innovative assistance functions: Together with leading technology partners, the Volkswagen Group brands are developing services that go far beyond driving. In this way, we are simplifying interaction with the vehicle, enabling greater convenience for our customers and increasing safety on the road. We are driving forward the development of our car of the future. For example, in our joint venture with the US start-up Rivian Automotive, or with the China Electronic Architecture, developed in collaboration with our Chinese partner Xpeng.
Artificial intelligence – intuitively controlled
When it comes to the car of the future, we consistently rely on artificial intelligence. One example: In early 2024, Volkswagen was the first major car manufacturer to integrate ChatGPT into vehicles as standard. Many of our brands now use ChatGPT in their models, including Audi, Seat and Škoda. Whether navigation, music or air conditioning: All of these could already be controlled using voice assistants. With ChatGPT, the possibilities increase enormously: The AI can, for example, explain places of interest, give football results or solve maths problems on the move – simply and intuitively controlled in natural language, without losing sight of the traffic. Good to know: The AI has no access to vehicle and user data, so sensitive information remains protected at all times.
IAA Mobility 2025
Tuesday, September 9 – Politics & AI Day
The Chancellor's tour. 1:00–2:00 p.m. panel discussion on artificial intelligence:Hauke Stars, Professor Dr Luise Hölscher (State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Digital and Public Service), Dr Ferri Abolhassan (CEO of T-Systems) and Aljoscha Burchardt (German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence) discuss the question: how can Germany become the driving force behind Europe's AI future – what is being done and what is needed? With its increased use of artificial intelligence, the Volkswagen Group is igniting the next stage on its path to becoming a global technology driver in the automotive industry. And AI is the key to greater speed, quality and competitiveness – from vehicle development to vehicle production. 2:15–3:00 p.m. MOIA Panel Talk on autonomous driving:On the same day, MOIA CEO Sascha Meyer, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume and Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility CEO Christian Senger will welcome Germany’s Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder in the MOIA Panel Talk (2:15–3:00 p.m.) to discuss the opportunities that autonomous driving offers for Germany as an industrial location.
Wednesday, September 10 – Technology Day
The program, themed WE POWER E-MOBILITY FOR ALL, offers exclusive, in-depth insights into current and future innovation topics at Volkswagen Group Technology.11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. status update “Power Hour”:With Group Board Member for Technology Thomas Schmall, PowerCo CEO Frank Blome, Elli CEO Giovanni Palazzo and other top managers.12:00-12:10 p.m CEO talk with Oliver Blume12:30-4:30 p.m. tech talksIn the afternoon, three tech talks with highlights and high-profile representatives from partners will cover: "Platform & Components – Engineering the Future of E-Mobility", "The Battery (R)Evolution" and "Energy Full Circle: How Smart, Connected Energy will Reshape Mobility and Society."
Thursday, September 11 – Software Day
10:30-5:40 p.m.
Intelligent mobility for all: Volkswagen Group showcases innovative strength at the IAA
Technology for the people: At the IAA Mobility in Munich, the Volkswagen Group will present the full range of the Group's technological excellence at the Summit stand (hall B1) for six days – from 7 to 12 SeptemberOn the way to becoming a global technology driver in the automotive industry: with world premieres, technological innovations and intelligent mobility concepts, the Volkswagen Group is providing strong impetus for the future of mobilityThe clear goal: to make the best vehicles, technologies and digital services available to customers – early, easy to use, affordable, attractive and sustainable
The Volkswagen Group is showcasing its innovative strength and bringing cutting-edge technology to the stage at the IAA Mobility in Munich. Over six days – from 7 to 12 September – the Group will present the full range of its technological innovations at the IAA Summit exhibition stand (hall B1). With world premieres, leading technological innovations and intelligent mobility concepts, the Group and its brands are providing strong impetus for the future of mobility in Munich. The Volkswagen Group delivers – and makes new technologies accessible to a wide audience, from electric and hybrid drives and range extender concepts to highly automated and autonomous driving with AI support and new mobility concepts. All this is enabled by the consistent use of state-of-the-art AI technologies and development methods, underscoring that the Volkswagen Group is picking up speed on its way to becoming the Global Automotive Tech Driver. The numerous technology and product presentations at the Group's stand will be complemented by inspiring keynotes and panel discussions with high-profile guests from business and politics, such as Germany´s Federal Minister of Transport, Patrick Schnieder.
At the IAA Mobility in Munich, we are showcasing the new power of the Volkswagen Group and demonstrating our potential as a global technology driver in the automotive industry.
Volkswagen Group sites
Within our global network of development sites, we bring high-performance software and automated systems with artificial intelligence to production readiness for practical application within the company. Furthermore, we are establishing battery cell factories to meet the increasing demand for electric vehicles. Volkswagen Group’s battery company PowerCo, has already identified three locations for battery cell production: Salzgitter (Germany), Valencia (Spain), and St. Thomas (Canada).
Europe
Our presence in Europe underscores our close ties to the region. The company operates ten core brands from five European countries, organized into brand groups: Brand Group Core with Volkswagen (Wolfsburg, Germany), Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (Hannover, Germany), SKODA (Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic), SEAT, and CUPRA (Barcelona, Spain) Brand Group Progressive with Audi (Ingolstadt, Germany), Lamborghini (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy), Bentley (Crewe, United Kingdom), Ducati (Bologna, Italy) Brand Group Sport Luxury with Porsche (Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany) Europe plays a central role in our global strategy for research and development in the automotive industry. Here, we have established numerous innovation centers and production facilities, contributing significantly to the development of new technologies and vehicles worldwide.
China
For the Volkswagen Group, China is a pivotal growth market and a driving force for innovation in electromobility and connected automated driving, crucial for the company's transformation in the automotive industry. We adopt the "In China, for China" approach, emphasizing accelerated innovation and promoting technological localization to meet customer needs. In line with the strategy, we are establishing with the Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC) in Hefei the largest procurement and development center of the group outside Germany in China to gear products more quickly to needs of Chinese customers.
Our People
Coding is taking its place alongside traditional engineering, artificial intelligence is relieving employees of routine tasks, and digital business models are increasingly taking their place alongside physical products. At the Volkswagen Group, we want to capitalize on these advantages to provide all employees with a unique working experience. It is important to us that everyone can keep pace with change. That is why we are investing heavily in training. We are aiming for 30 hours of training per employee per year by 2030.
Occupational Health and Safety
The Volkswagen Group is known for its excellent occupational health and safety Ensuring a safe and healthy working environment is not only a key component of sustainable corporate management but also the basis for individual well-being, good work results, and effective collaboration. We will further expand our prevention programs for employees in the coming years. The Volkswagen Group favors preventive approaches to promote the physical and mental health and well-being of its employees. In the area of accident statistics, our goal is also to establish an accident frequency rate at a leading level for all brands and companies. For the systematic management and quality assurance of our health and safety activities, all Volkswagen Group production sites with more than 1,000 employees are to be certified in accordance with ISO 45001 by 2026.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion Through various programs, we pursue the promotion of a diverse, inclusive and non-discriminatory culture. Bentley launches ‘Belonging Bentayga’ with a strong statement for Inclusion and Belonging The Bentayga Hybrid is hand-painted by architectural artist Stephen Wiltshire MBE, a British architectural artist and autistic savant, and features 29 different landmarks and people from all over the world. The design also includes many drawings of people, nationalities of the world united in one design.
The Group Strategy
At the same time, we want to become more attractive to talent and fully seize the opportunities of artificial intelligence in all our processes and applications.
Focus – We focus on fundamentalIt is based on lean structures and optimized cost items. With our sustainability strategy “regenerate+”, we are committed to a new way of doing business – responsible, sustainable and future-oriented. It is a fundamental element of all our corporate activities.
Ready for change – The Top-10 programs The world around us is transforming rapidly – and we want to shape this change. To do so, we remain flexible and respond to technological as well as political changes worldwide. In doing so, the Top-10 programs within the Group, the brands and markets help us. They annually define the most important action areas as well as short- and mid-term goals. The Group Strategy provides guidance on Volkswagen Group’s long-term vision. By combining the long-term Group Strategy with the short-term Top-10 programs, we have a clear roadmap and will become The Global Automotive Tech Driver by 2035.