Volkswagen teamed up with Microsoft to develop autonomous driving systems

KUALA LUMPUR: In the way of developing autonomous driving solutions, Volkswagen Group moved one step ahead by collaborating with tech giant company Microsoft. The two big companies come together to build a dedicated cloud-based platform specifically for self-driving car systems. This deal can be seen as an expansion of their existing partnership in which the German automaker used the cloud of the tech company to connect its cars.

In the new collaboration, Volkswagen will combine its self-driving systems expertise with Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing to develop an Automated Driving Platform (ADP). With ADP running on Azure, VW’s Car.Software Organisation will be able to enhance the efficiency of the development of advanced driver assistance systems and AD functions for passenger cars across all the brands of the Volkswagen Group.

“As we transform Volkswagen Group into a digital mobility provider, we are looking to continuously increase the efficiency of our software development. We are building the Automated Driving Platform with Microsoft to simplify our developers’ work through one scalable and data-based engineering environment. By combining our comprehensive expertise in the development of connected driving solutions with Microsoft’s cloud and software engineering know-how, we will accelerate the delivery of safe and comfortable mobility services,” said Dirk Hilgenberg, CEO of the Car.Software Organisation.

Founded last year, the Car.Software Organisation plays the main role in the digital transformation of the Group leading towards a software-driven mobility provider. Recently, the automotive group has also boosted its planned investments in electrified, connected, and automated vehicles to $86 billion through 2025. It has also mentioned that the company might be offering a fully autonomous driving system in its cars by then.

On a relatable note, General Motors has also teamed up with Microsoft in recent times for cloud help needed for developing self-driving technology. Another American automaker that collaborated with tech giant Google for its future in-car technologies is Ford Motors. This means automakers have now realized that they need tech companies’ help to bolster their vehicles and services.

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