Volkswagen and Qualcomm Expand Snapdragon SDV Deal
Volkswagen Group and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. announced today that they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for a long-term supply agreement. The agreement aims to deliver advanced infotainment and connectivity capabilities powered by Snapdragon® Digital Chassis™ solutions. Under this intended agreement, Qualcomm Technologies would act as Volkswagen Group’s primary technology provider for the launch of its zonal software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture. Volkswagen Group developed this SDV architecture for the Western hemisphere through its joint venture with Rivian Automotive, Inc., Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (RV Tech). Qualcomm Technologies would supply high-performance system-on-chips (SoCs) for infotainment starting in 2027.
Volkswagen Group already works with Qualcomm Technologies through the Automated Driving Alliance (ADA). CARIAD and Bosch founded the ADA to accelerate the development of highly automated driving. This intended supply agreement supports Volkswagen’s plan to consolidate procurement of key components and deepen expertise in semiconductor and AI integration. The Group aims to deliver scalable, future-ready mobility solutions across its vehicle portfolio.
Karsten Schnake, Member of the Board of Management for Procurement at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand and Member of the Extended Volkswagen Group Executive Committee, said: “Next-Gen infotainment solutions and driver assistance systems are becoming increasingly important for differentiating our products and now account for a significantly higher share of vehicle value. With Qualcomm Technologies as one of our partners for the future, we are securing long-term access to the semiconductors essential to these technologies. Qualcomm Technologies is among the leading global suppliers of automotive semiconductors. Together, we are continuing a trusted collaboration to deliver areater efficiency, stability, and predictability in our supply chain – while strengthening our capabilities in developing key technology fields.”
Werner Tietz, Member of the Board of Management for Research and Development at SEAT S.A. and Head of Volkswagen Group Research and Development, said: “High-performance semiconductors are the foundation for the next generation of connected vehicles. They enable us to seamlessly align software and hardware. With access to these advanced chips, we aim to accelerate the development of powerful and scalable technologies to deliver a digital driving experience that continuously evolves for our customers at competitive costs.”
Nakul Duggal, EVP and Group GM, Automotive, Industrial and Embedded IoT and Robotics, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., said: “We are proud to deepen our longstanding collaboration with Volkswagen Group and serve as a trusted partner for its future vehicle platforms. The Snapdragon Digital Chassis provides the foundation for software-defined architectures, enabling next-generation infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems that emphasise safety, performance, and scalability. Together with Volkswagen, we are delivering transformative in- vehicle experiences for millions of drivers and passengers worldwide while providing the technology backbone needed to lead in the era of intelligent mobility.”
Enrico Salvatori, SVP and President, Qualcomm Europe, Qualcomm Europe, Inc., said: "Volkswagen Group is advancing toward a fully software-defined future, and we are proud that Snapdragon Digital Chassis will serve as a core enabler of that transformation. This collaboration builds on the trust and momentum we’ve established over many years. It reinforces Qualcomm Technologies’ commitment to delivering the high-performance compute, connectivity, and AI capabilities that modern vehicle architectures demand. Together, we are advancing a modern vehicle architecture that is software-defined, AI-ready, and globally scalable – supporting updatable infotainment and accelerating the development of highly automated driving.”
Volkswagen Group’s joint venture with Rivian Automotive, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (RV Tech), aims to use the Snapdragon® Cockpit™ Platform to deliver immersive digital experiences based on the zonal SDV architecture. In this SDV architecture, high-performance modular central computers will manage all vehicle functions. Customers can access advanced infotainment and highly automated driving functions, and they can receive updates and new features over the air. These updates will help keep vehicles up to date and improve the driving experience.
Volkswagen Group will roll out the SDV architecture in the Western hemisphere in the ID.EVERY1 and in all future electric vehicles built on the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). The Group aims to deliver state-of-the-art technology across segments, price classes, and international markets.
Vehicles that use the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform can enable agentic AI-driven experiences that anticipate needs, adapt in real time, and provide proactive assistance. These experiences can range from personalised climate and seating adjustments to optimised routes and multimodal voice or gesture controls.
Working with Volkswagen Group and Qualcomm Technologies, the Automated Driving Alliance (ADA), formed by CARIAD and Bosch, aims to use Snapdragon Ride Elite, Qualcomm Technologies’ most powerful automotive compute platform, to advance automated driving development. The goal is an AI-based system for highly automated driving that scales across brands and model lines and remains fully compatible with the SDV. Snapdragon Ride Elite leverages an end-to-end AI architecture to deliver ultra-low latency for sensor processing and real-time decision-making.
AUDI AG and Volkswagen Passenger Cars are actively advancing the intended supply agreement, aiming to achieve Group-wide impact. Under the intended agreement, the Group brands also plan to integrate Snapdragon® 5G Modem RF and V2X technology into next-generation SDV-based vehicles. This integration would enable ultra-fast connectivity and real-time communication for safer, smarter, and more connected driving. The companies will also explore new automotive innovation opportunities, including AI-driven technologies that could improve safety, personalisation, and intelligent mobility.