Volkswagen ID.3 delivered with software that is not quite developed, delays in the launch of several Audi, Bentley or even Porsche models because of the software… The Volkswagen Group is currently encountering major difficulties in this area and plans to look to China to become competitive again.
If Volkswagen begins to see the end of the tunnel with its ID.3, this is a little less the case for future models. Indeed, a new generation of high-end electric vehicles is being developed under the leadership of Audi and Porsche, two member brands of the German group. But software-related issues would slow down the development process, forcing Audi, Porsche, but also Bentley, to potentially delay the launch of their new models.
Several delayed launches
The software division of the Volkswagen group, Cariad, would encounter difficulties in developing the necessary systems and the engineering team would have fallen far behind on most of its projects, thus embarrassing the manufacturers mentioned above, can we read in the columns ofAutomotive News Europe.
To address these issues, which could extend beyond the high-end models, Volkswagen is very seriously considering turning to China for “boost its digital and software offerings“. Thus, the Germanic group is planning major investments in China to employ “several thousandsof software engineers and thus try to catch up with its rivals, at least on the Chinese market initially.
It must be said that Chinese manufacturers now have a big lead over some European manufacturers in this area, starting with XPeng, NIO and BYD, kings in their country, and who now intend to attack the European market. These cars are now capable of making online payments, browsing social networks or entertaining their occupants thanks to original functions (on-board karaoke, integrated video games, etc.).
Autonomous driving in sight
But it is especially in terms of driving aids and autonomous driving that Chinese manufacturers impress, as well as functions related to connectivity between cars, but also with urban infrastructure.
Herbert Diess, the boss of the Volkswagen Group, identifies software as a key differentiator. He regularly cites Nokia’s inability to keep pace with Apple’s iPhone and thinks self-driving features will cause a transformation of the automotive industry even more important than the switch to electric. And in this little game, it would seem that Chinese manufacturers already have a small head start.
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