Volkswagen-Rivian Venture to Begin“Winter” Vehicle Tests

A joint venture formed by German auto giant Volkswagen and American electric vehicle maker Rivian plans to begin testing vehicles equipped with its new software early next year, the companies announced.

"Reference” Vehicles for Demanding Weather

RV Tech, established by the automakers last year, said that it continues to work on“zonal architecture” for software-defined vehicles — including“reference” vehicles from VW, as well as its Audi and Scout brands, that will be used for tests in“demanding” conditions in the first quarter of 2026.The venture has also increased its development staff to more than 1,500, according to the companies.

Up to 30 Million VW Vehicles

Under the software-defined vehicle architecture, central computers would control the vehicle's functions, providing“highly automated” driving capabilities and“advanced infotainment solutions” that can be upgraded through over-the-air software updates.Volkswagen plans to deploy the system in its SSP electric-vehicle platform and ultimately support up to 30 million vehicles. Rivian, meanwhile, intends to use the venture's technologies in its R2, R3, and R3X models.

Expanding to Combustion Cars

Company officials also told Reuters that the technology could be used in Volkswagen's internal-combustion engine vehicles, as well. Carsten Helbing, the venture's co-chief executive, indicated that although adjusting the platform and components for combustion cars would not be“a huge issue,” RV Tech's focus remains on battery-electric vehicles.

Image credit: fotokaleinar/Shutterstock

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