Volkswagen has ruled out working with the world’s biggest tech giants to develop software for its new vehicles, as the German carmaker instead vowed to accelerate the growth of its newly established digital unit.
The Wolfsburg-based carmaker’s latest models, the Golf 8 and the upcoming electric ID.3, have been plagued by software problems, leading to a delay in deliveries, and a showdown between supervisory board members and chief executive Herbert Diess.
The company’s efforts have also been eclipsed by Tesla, which has developed leading battery management software and is building a plant near Berlin. From next month, VW will rely on one organisation, called Car. Software, to develop digital platforms for all its 12 brands, in which it will invest more than €7bn.