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.

Graphic representation of a connected car viewed from above, surrounded by icons for digital services and connectivity.

Software-defined vehicle – intelligent right from the start

Side view of a modern VW electric car with digital AI graphics in the background.

Software as the starting point: The Volkswagen Group is developing new car models as software-defined vehicles (SDVs) – a major development leap away from the classic vehicle concept, in which the hardware with mechanical and electronic components takes center stage. With the SDV, the software becomes the central element of the user experience; the vehicle’s intelligence is based on programmable systems. The SDV architecture utilizes the automated driving functions that our subsidiary CARIAD is developing together with Bosch.

With the SDV, we are completely rethinking the car of the future. In our vision, it is part of an intelligent automotive ecosystem.

The advantages of the SDV

more functions for vehicle passengers, expandable over time

increased safety thanks to advanced assistance systems through to automated driving

improved comfort through networking and personalization

short update cycles with maintenance via the mobile phone network (‘over the air,’ OTA for short)

Platforms – our philosophy

With the basic idea of scalable, high-performance platforms, the Volkswagen Group builds millions of vehicles worldwide for all Group brands. Our philosophy: one technological basis for many, individualization by individuals. This enables each brand to offer the best products in every market – across all segments and drive types.

Digital visualization of an electric vehicle with transparent chassis highlighting battery modules and electronic systems.

More and more of our vehicles of the future will be electric, digitally connected and easy to control. This will make our vision of sustainable mobility tangible – for customers all over the world.