Volkswagen’s automotive software unit CARIAD and TomTom are co-developing a navigation product for the Volkswagen Group. The product will combine TomTom’s expertise in hybrid navigation and industry-leading traffic services, with CARIAD’s competences in premium user experience and vehicle integration.
This multi-year deal between TomTom and the VW Group covers all markets globally (excluding China) and is the continuation of a successful and long cooperation.
TomTom has developed a unique navigation solution that will integrate into VW’s digital cockpits, delivering frequent over-the-air (OTA) updates.
The first models to showcase the next generation navigation technology will be electric, hitting the road in 2023.
These models will benefit from EV range and routing accuracy that is far more precise than anything available today.
The development of other features. including lane level navigation and lane dependent traffic as well as a more advanced and personalised EV experience. are also underway as part of this collaboration.
By 2030, CARIAD aims to connect up to 40 million vehicles globally to Volkswagen Group’s Automotive Cloud.
Francisco Moreno, head of navigation at CARIAD, says: “By partnering with TomTom, we are taking another step towards transforming Volkswagen Group cars into an automotive experience that seamlessly integrates into the driver’s digital life. With TomTom’s trusted support and expertise, backed by the Volkswagen Group’s extensive connected fleet, we will bring many exciting innovations to market that will contribute towards a safer, more time-efficient and intuitive driving experience.”
“We are excited to deepen our ties with the Volkswagen Group by co-developing with CARIAD, a leader in the car industry,” adds Antoine Saucier, managing director, TomTom Automotive. “Today, marks another milestone in our relationship, as we announce that our state-of-the-art navigation solution will power the Volkswagen Group’s next generation digital cockpits – from volume to premium car lines – with the promise of greater integration and continuous innovation in the years to come.”
Established in 2020 under the name Car.Software Organisation, around 4,500 engineers and developers around the world are now working at CARIAD to build a uniform software platform for all brands of Volkswagen Group, which includes a unified and scalable architecture, an operating system and automotive cloud.
The new software platform will first be deployed at the end of 2025.
