Volkswagen starts production of China Electronic Architecture for ICVs
Volkswagen Group China has begun series production of its first locally developed zonal vehicle platform, marking a shift in how the carmaker structures electronics and software for the Chinese market. The rollout coincides with the start of production of the VW ID. UNYX 07, the first model based on the company’s China Electronic Architecture.
For eeNews Europe readers, the move highlights how global OEMs are restructuring E/E architectures around zonal designs and centralised computing, particularly in fast-moving markets such as China. It also underlines how development cycles for software-defined vehicles are being compressed without formally reducing validation standards.
Zonal architecture built and validated in China
The China Electronic Architecture, developed by Volkswagen Group China Technology Company, CARIAD China and XPENG, is described as a scalable zonal electronic and electrical platform with high-performance central computing. It is designed to support multiple vehicle platforms and powertrain types, from battery electric vehicles to hybrids and combustion engine models, and enables full over-the-air updates.
According to the company, the architecture reduces the number of electronic control units by around 30% compared with previous vehicle generations, potentially lowering system complexity and creating a basis for AI-enabled cockpit functions and China-specific driver assistance systems.
Oliver Blume, CEO Volkswagen Group, said: “The start of production of our first zonal electronic architecture marks another milestone in our ‘In China, for China’ Strategy. The Volkswagen Group delivered – quickly and reliably. In just 18 months, we have for the first time built a completely new, scalable electronic architecture from development all the way to series production – maintaining the high quality and safety standards that our customers expect from Volkswagen. The China Electronic Architecture (CEA) enables software-driven innovations across all powertrain types, accelerates the expansion of our intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) portfolio in China – and represents a decisive step in our software strategy towards our ambition of becoming a global automotive tech driver.”
Faster development cycles for software-defined vehicles
Volkswagen states that the project moved from concept to production in 18 months, the fastest timeline it has achieved for an all-new electronic architecture. Overall vehicle development cycles are said to be shortened by up to 30%, with selected projects seeing development cost reductions of up to 50% through localisation and earlier supplier integration.
Ralf Brandstätter, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG responsible for China, and Chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, said: “We have now blazed the trail for a new generation of Intelligent Connected Vehicles in China. The China Electronic Architecture allows us to bring software-driven innovation to market at competitive cost and speed, across electric vehicles, hybrids and combustion engine models. This is how we scale Intelligent Connected Vehicles in China – combining local speed with Volkswagen DNA.”
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