VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France, Feb 4, 2025 – Dassault Systèmes and Volkswagen Group announced a long-term partnership to advance Volkswagen Group’s digital infrastructure for state-of-the-art vehicle development by implementing Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
The length of the long-term partnership was not disclosed.
The Volkswagen Group has been utilizing Dassault Systèmes’ software for several decades starting in the 1980s when Volkswagen developed advanced 3D surface modeling software known as VW Surf, which was later commercialized as ICEM Surf and eventually acquired by Dassault Systèmes.
The big automotive companies are like crown jewels for the big CAD companies and any deal made is touted as a big deal. Volkswagen Group appears to be using Dassault Systèmes software across all its brands for most design and engineering, but it is not a totally exclusive arrangement. In October 2023, PTC announced a strategic supplier relationship with Volkswagen Group for the use of PTC’s Codebeamer Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) solution. Autodesk claims all major automotive companies use their software, probably referring to Alias, which seems to be a universal standard for body styling. Also, Autodesk got minor bragging rights by generatively designing novelty wheels for a 1962 VW Microbus.
Volkswagen Group has chosen the 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud as a main engineering and manufacturing platform. Engineers, designers and other professionals across the Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche brands will use virtual twins to streamline the development of vehicles. This will enable teams to simulate, test and refine every aspect of vehicle development in a collaborative virtual environment before physical production begins while ensuring compliance with global regulations and sustainability standards.
“We are advancing the development of our next-generation IT system landscape, and the decision to partner with Dassault Systèmes marks an important milestone,” said Hauke Stars, Board Member at Volkswagen Group for IT. “With consistent data streams and AI solutions built on them, we are creating a true technological leap for our teams in development and factory planning. At the same time, we are sustainably reducing IT costs and accelerating processes by streamlining our system complexity and utilizing virtual twins.”
“Industry evolutions in the context of the Generative Economy are compelling automotive companies to make transformative decisions that will propel the vehicle experience to new heights,” said Pascal Daloz, CEO, Dassault Systèmes. “After four decades of partnership rooted in innovation and trust, we’re now embarking on the next chapter with Volkswagen Group with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform at its core. Our AI-powered virtual twins and the strength and resilience of the cloud will unify Volkswagen Group’s hardware and software innovation and unleash the knowledge and know-how to accelerate its software-driven transformation.”
Volkswagen Group will rely on four Dassault Systèmes industry solution experiences based on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform: “Global Modular Architecture,” “Smart, Safe and Connected,” “Efficient Multi-Energy Platform,” and “On-Target Vehicle Launch.”
About Dassault Systèmes
Dassault Systèmes SE, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Vélizy-Villacoublay, France, is a leading multinational software corporation specializing in 3D design, digital mock-up, and product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions. The company has pioneered virtual worlds to improve real life for consumers, patients and citizens. It offers a comprehensive suite of software applications, including CATIA for product design, SOLIDWORKS for 3D mechanical design, DELMIA for manufacturing operations, and SIMULIA for realistic simulation. The tools serve a wide range of industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, industrial equipment, life sciences, and high-tech. As of 2023, Dassault Systèmes employs approximately 23,811 individuals across 194 global offices. In 2023, the company reported revenues of €5.67 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the software industry. As of 2024, Dassault Systèmes serves over 350,000 enterprise customers across more than 150 countries.
About Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen Group, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany, is a leading multinational automotive manufacturer established in 1937. It operates globally, with 114 production facilities in 17 European countries and 10 countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa. The company offers a diverse range of vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles, through its various brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, ŠKODA, SEAT, and Bentley. Serving industries like automotive manufacturing, transportation, and mobility solutions, Volkswagen has expanded its operations to include electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies. As of 2023, the group reported revenues of €322.3 billion and employed approximately 684,000 individuals worldwide. In 2023, Volkswagen delivered 9.2 million vehicles globally, solidifying its position as one of the world’s largest car manufacturers. The Group’s vehicles are sold in over 150 countries.
Source: Dassault Systèmes
