Power of Scale: Strengthening innovation with AI-based software stacks

A framework for all software-based technologies 

“Volkswagen Group has the power to scale, which gives us cost advantages and speed,” says Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume. “We leverage our strength as a platform champion: Group-wide core technologies that power differentiated brand experiences.”

Against this backdrop, it is essential that we at CARIAD master key technologies ourselves. Within the Group Software Stack, we develop innovative solutions in-house, while accelerating with tech partners around the world – cross-brand, globally scalable, cost-efficient, and deeply anchored in the DNA of the Group.

“We aim for technical differentiation through in-house development particularly in areas that shape the driving experience and brand character,” says CARIAD CEO Peter Bosch. “We’re developing software that addresses diverse local needs and can be highly personalized depending on the user and the vehicle. Our collaboration with the Group brands and our partner network worldwide is essential for this.” 

Four key technology stacks infused with AI

The Group Software Stack combines cutting-edge technologies, across four key areas, each responsible for different functions in the car.

Group Driver Stacks: The future of automated driving  

TThe Driver Stack powers advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving features like lane keeping or parking assistants. CARIAD is making next-level automated driving accessible across all segments and markets with strategic partnerships like the Automated Driving Alliance with Bosch and the CARIZON joint venture in China.

Group Experience Stacks: Intelligent, personalized in-car experiences  

The Experience Stack enables each brand to deliver a unique experience while leveraging shared technology. CARIAD’s scalable infotainment stack powers amongst others an AI-based assistant, a unified Application Store with over 100 apps, and a cloud-native EV routing solution. It enables each brand to tailor the in-vehicle experience to its customers, ensuring that every interaction feels personal and seamless.

Group Cloud Stacks: The backbone of the connected car ecosystem  

Cars today are cloud-enhanced products, generating and using data continuously. The Cloud Stack serves as the foundation for intelligent, updatable vehicles. CARIAD operates one of the largest digital cloud infrastructure in the global automotive market. It already connects more than 45 million vehicles globally. This enables real-time data processing for intelligent navigation, personalized entertainment, and driver assistance systems.

Group Motion Stacks: Shaping how we move  

From drivetrains to chassis and energy management, the Motion Stack is a technological cornerstone for driving dynamics and behavior. By combining physics with software, CARIAD in close collaboration with the brands is developing a scalable platform that ensures safe, efficient and brand-specific driving experiences while leveraging Group synergies.

Seamless collaboration within the Group and strong partners

Our goal is to develop solutions that scale across all Volkswagen Group architectures. This includes the global architectures for example E³ 1.1 and E³ 1.2, which serve both volume and premium segments. It also covers the upcoming Software-Defined Vehicle architectures. For North America and Europe, Volkswagen Group is developing a dedicated SDV architecture through its joint venture with Rivian Automotive. In China, Volkswagen Group China Technology Company and CARIAD China are developing the China Electronics Architecture in cooperation with XPeng.

With this approach, we can streamline software development across the entire Group and are able to bring new innovations to the market faster. In the end, the customer benefits from safer, smarter, and more personalized vehicles built on a common foundation of innovation.