LAS VEGAS, NV (CES 2026), Jan 9, 2026 – Volkswagen Group and Qualcomm have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for a future supply agreement announced at CES 2026. The deal centers on next-generation infotainment and vehicle connectivity using Snapdragon Digital Chassis platform. Under the proposed agreement, Qualcomm would become Volkswagen Group’s primary supplier of infotainment system-on-chips (SoCs). These chips combine computing, graphics, and connectivity on a single component to support high-performance in-vehicle systems.
The SoCs are designed to support Volkswagen’s zonal software-defined vehicle architecture, which centralizes computing and reduces vehicle wiring complexity. Development for the Western Hemisphere is led by Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (RV Tech), the automakers’ joint venture, with production vehicles planned from 2027. Qualcomm is also working with Volkswagen through the Automated Driving Alliance, which includes CARIAD and Bosch. That collaboration focuses on automated driving software, supporting driver assistance and conditional automation across multiple driving scenarios. Volkswagen said the agreement reflects its push to standardize vehicle computing hardware and strengthen AI and semiconductor integration across future models.
Karsten Schnake, member of the board of management for procurement at the Volkswagen passenger cars brand and member of the extended Volkswagen group executive committee, said: “Next-Gen infotainment solutions and driver assistance systems are becoming increasingly important for differentiating our products and now account for a significantly higher share of vehicle value. With Qualcomm Technologies as one partner for the future, we are securing long-term access to the semiconductors that are essential for these technologies. Qualcomm Technologies is among the leading global suppliers of automotive semiconductors. Together, we are continuing a trusted collaboration to deliver a greater efficiency, stability, and predictability in our supply chain – while strengthening our capabilities in developing key technology fields.”
Werner Tietz, member of the board of management for research and development at SEAT S.A. and head of Volkswagen group R&D, said: “High-performance semiconductors are the foundation for the next generation of connected vehicles. They enable us to seamlessly align software and hardware. With access to these advanced chips, we aim to accelerate the development of powerful and scalable technologies to deliver a digital driving experience that continuously evolves for our customers at competitive costs.”
Nakul Duggal, EVP and group GM, automotive, industrial and embedded IoT and robotics, Qualcomm Technologies said: “We are proud to deepen our longstanding collaboration with Volkswagen Group and serve as a trusted partner for its future vehicle platforms. The Snapdragon Digital Chassis provides the foundation for software -defined architectures, enabling next- generation infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems that emphasize safety, performance, and scalability. Together with Volkswagen, we are delivering transformative in-vehicle experiences for millions of drivers and passengers worldwide while providing the technology backbone needed to lead in the era of intelligent mobility.”
Enrico Salvatori, SVP and president, Qualcomm Europe said: “Volkswagen Group is advancing toward a fully software-defined future, and we are proud that Snapdragon Digital Chassis will serve as a core enabler of that transformation. This collaboration builds on the trust and momentum we’ve established over many years and reinforces Qualcomm Technologies’ commitment to delivering the high-performance compute, connectivity, and AI capabilities modern vehicle architectures demand. Together, we are advancing a modern vehicle architecture that is software-defined, AI-ready, and globally scalable – supporting updatable infotainment and accelerating the development of highly automated driving.”
Core Technology for Software-Defined Vehicles and Automated Driving
Volkswagen Group is building its next software-defined vehicle platform around centralized computing and Qualcomm automotive technologies. The effort is led by Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (RV Tech).
The SDV architecture replaces distributed control units with modular central computers that manage vehicle functions. This approach allows infotainment and automated driving features to be updated over the air throughout a vehicle’s life. Volkswagen plans to introduce the architecture in the Western Hemisphere, starting with the ID.EVERY1 and future electric vehicles on its scalable systems platform (SSP). The group intends to use the same foundation across brands, price ranges, and global markets.
Infotainment systems based on the Snapdragon Cockpit platform support agentic AI-driven functions such as personalized climate and seating controls, route optimization, and voice or gesture controls.
Automated driving development is being handled through the Automated Driving Alliance (ADA), which includes CARIAD and Bosch. Working with Qualcomm, the group is using Snapdragon Ride Elite to support sensor processing and real-time driving decisions within the SDV framework. Audi AG and Volkswagen Passenger Cars are driving the intended supply agreement with the goal of group-wide deployment. The brands also plan to add Snapdragon 5G modem RF and V2X technology into SDV-based vehicles to enable faster data transfer and connected driving.
Source: Qualcomm
About the Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen Group, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany, is a multinational automotive manufacturer established in 1937. It operates globally, with 115 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. The group employed approx. 680,000 individuals worldwide. Volkswagen delivered 9.2 million vehicles globally. The Group’s vehicles are sold in over 150 countries.
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, is a leading American semiconductor and wireless technology company headquartered in San Diego, CA. Established in 1985, the company specializes in designing and supplying integrated circuits and system software for wireless telecommunications. Its product portfolio includes Snapdragon processors, modems, and platforms utilized in smartphones, automotive systems, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and industrial equipment. Qualcomm operates primarily through two segments: Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT), which focuses on semiconductor products, and Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL), which manages its patent portfolio. The company serves a global clientele across various industries, including mobile, automotive, computing, and industrial sectors, leveraging its expertise in 5G, AI and low-power computing to drive innovation and connectivity worldwide.