Volkswagen has announced a significant partnership with American electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, investing up to six billion dollars. This collaboration aims to develop new architectures and software for future electric vehicles.
The upcoming electric Volkswagen Golf will be one of the first models built on the new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). Volkswagen's CEO, Tomas Schäfer, emphasized the need for Rivian's expertise to transform this iconic model into a software-defined vehicle with advanced assistance and comfort systems.
This partnership highlights the automotive industry's shift, as established manufacturers seek assistance from innovative newcomers to keep pace with rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology.
The ninth generation of the electric Golf is expected to debut in 2029, while the current eighth generation will remain in production until 2035, offering traditional gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options until European emissions regulations permit.