Finance
Qualcomm to provide infotainment tech for new Volkswagen platform
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on January 8, 2026
1 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Quick Summary
Volkswagen partners with Qualcomm to provide infotainment tech for its new platform, aiming to compete with Tesla and BYD. Launch expected in 2027.
Volkswagen Partners with Qualcomm for Next-Gen Infotainment Tech
Volkswagen and Qualcomm Collaboration Overview
BERLIN, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Volkswagen plans a long-term supply deal with U.S. chip designer Qualcomm to deliver infotainment technology for the German carmaker's new software platform.
Details of the Supply Deal
Qualcomm will provide high-performance system-on-chips for infotainment capabilities starting in 2027, Volkswagen said.
Technological Milestones and Testing
The companies have signed a letter of intent to make Qualcomm the primary tech provider for the platform, which Volkswagen is developing with U.S. partner Rivian.
Competitive Landscape in Automotive Tech
Volkswagen and Rivian are carrying out winter tests on the software platform, with $1 billion in Volkswagen investment dependent on completion of technological milestones this year.
The joint venture is a key part of Volkswagen's effort to catch up with rivals such as BYD and Tesla, with the first of its cars using software from the partnership set to launch in 2027, starting with the electric ID.Every1.
The new 'software-defined vehicles' are controlled by central computers and rely on high-performance chips.
(Reporting by Rachel More; Editing by Alexander Smith)
Key Takeaways
- •Volkswagen partners with Qualcomm for infotainment technology.
- •The supply deal focuses on high-performance system-on-chips.
- •Volkswagen and Rivian are testing the new software platform.
- •The partnership aims to compete with BYD and Tesla.
- •First cars with this tech to launch in 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions about Qualcomm to provide infotainment tech for new Volkswagen platform
1What is infotainment technology?
Infotainment technology refers to integrated systems in vehicles that provide entertainment and information to drivers and passengers, often including features like navigation, audio/video playback, and connectivity options.
2What are system-on-chips?
System-on-chips (SoCs) are integrated circuits that combine all components of a computer or other electronic system into a single chip, including the CPU, memory, and input/output ports.
3What is a software platform?
A software platform is a framework that allows developers to build and run applications, providing the necessary tools and services for software development.
4What is a joint venture?
A joint venture is a business arrangement where two or more parties agree to pool their resources for a specific project or business activity, sharing profits and risks.
