Volkswagen Delivers China Electronic Architecture on Time
Volkswagen Group China has delivered the China Electronic Architecture (CEA) on schedule. The delivery clears the way for the successful rollout of its first CEA-based model, the VW ID. UNYX 07. This technology leader marks Volkswagen Group’s entry into full-cycle software-defined vehicle (SDV) production in China. Over the course of this year, the Group will present four more vehicles from all Volkswagen brand joint ventures with the new architecture. With the delivery of the CEA, Volkswagen confirms its end-to-end capability in software-defined vehicle development, from concept and engineering through validation to mass production. Volkswagen Group China Technology Company (VCTC), CARIAD China and XPENG developed the architecture. The Volkswagen Anhui plant produces the vehicle.
The Chinese Electronic Architecture uses a zonal electronic and electrical architecture with high-performance central computing. The design stays scalable and continuously upgradable. Volkswagen Group China is the first automaker to deploy this zonal architecture across multiple vehicle platforms and all powertrain types, from fully electric vehicles to hybrids and combustion-engine cars. The copy supports search intent around China Electronic Architecture, zonal architecture, and software-defined vehicles, while keeping the language natural and clear.
Compared with previous vehicle generations, the CEA reduces the number of electronic control units by around 30 per cent and streamlines system complexity. The change creates a stable foundation for advanced AI cockpit functions, China-specific driver-assistance systems, and full-vehicle over-the-air updates.
The new development process also shortens overall vehicle development cycles by up to 30 per cent. Localised development and early supplier integration during the concept phase reduce development costs for new models by up to 50 per cent in selected key projects. Agile development processes also support rapid adjustments to evolving customer requirements. The approach strengthens Volkswagen’s competitiveness in China’s intelligent, connected-vehicle era.
Oliver Blume, CEO Volkswagen Group: “The start of production of our first zonal electronic architecture marks another milestone in our ‘In China, for China’ Strategy. The Volkswagen Group delivered – quickly and reliably. In just 18 months, we have, for the first time, built a completely new, scalable electronic architecture from development through series production – maintaining the high quality and safety standards our customers expect from Volkswagen. The China Electronic Architecture (CEA) enables software-driven innovations across all powertrain types, accelerates the expansion of our intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) portfolio in China, and represents a decisive step in our software strategy towards our ambition of becoming a global automotive tech driver.”
Ralf Brandstätter, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG responsible for China, and Chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China: “We have now blazed the trail for a new generation of Intelligent Connected Vehicles in China. The China Electronic Architecture enables us to bring software-driven innovation to market at competitive cost and speed across electric vehicles, hybrids, and combustion-engine models. This is how we scale Intelligent Connected Vehicles in China – combining local speed with Volkswagen DNA.”
Beginning this year, CEA-based models will expand from A-segment to B-segment vehicles and will launch across all three Volkswagen joint ventures in China. The rollout will offer customers a broad portfolio of intelligent, connected vehicles built on a single software platform that supports software-defined vehicle features and continuous updates.
Volkswagen continues to prioritise safety, durability and reliability as core values in the intelligent connected vehicle era. While Volkswagen reduced the total delivery cycle to 18 months, the fastest timeline the Group has achieved for an all-new electronic architecture with a specific locally developed ADAS solution, the validation cycle remains unchanged. This approach protects Volkswagen’s long-standing quality standards and the trust of more than 50 million customers in China, built over more than four decades.