Story
Volkswagen Deepens Autonomous Driving Partnership with Horizon Robotics in China
Summary
Volkswagen's China-based unit, CARIZON, is expanding its collaboration with Horizon Robotics to accelerate the development of Level 3 and Level 4 self-driving technologies for the competitive Chinese market.
Volkswagen's automated driving division in China, CARIZON, is deepening its partnership with local tech firm Horizon Robotics to fast-track the development of advanced self-driving systems. The German automaker aims to begin delivering vehicles with Level 3 autonomous capabilities in the Chinese market during the second half of next year, according to a company statement on Wednesday.
Details of the Collaboration
The expanded agreement grants CARIZON access to Horizon Robotics' AI foundation model, a critical component for training and deploying autonomous systems. This access is intended to enable Volkswagen to build its own proprietary AI-powered driving solutions more rapidly and efficiently within the Chinese market.
The partnership has set clear technological targets:
- Level 3 Capabilities: Deliveries are targeted to begin in the second half of next year. This level of automation allows drivers to take their eyes off the road under specific conditions.
- Level 4 Capabilities: The collaboration also aims to accelerate the development of more advanced systems for applications like robotaxis.
AdStrategic Importance for Volkswagen
This move underscores Volkswagen's strategy to bolster its position in the highly competitive Chinese automotive market, where advanced technology and autonomous features are key consumer demands. By partnering with a local leader in AI and computing solutions, VW aims to tailor its offerings more effectively to local tastes and infrastructure.
Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume stated that the move would "reinforce our competitiveness in China, and open up new opportunities in selected international markets." The partnership is indicative of a broader industry trend where global automakers collaborate with regional technology specialists to navigate complex local markets and accelerate innovation.
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