Introduction
Volkswagen’s €1 billion investment in artificial intelligence by 2030 marks a turning point for the automotive and industrial sectors. AI promises to accelerate vehicle development, optimize production, and strengthen the Group’s global competitiveness.
Context
Announced at the IAA Mobility trade fair, Volkswagen’s plan focuses on AI applications in vehicle development, industrial processes, and advanced IT infrastructure. The goal is to deliver innovations to customers faster and achieve sustainable efficiency.
Quick Definition
Volkswagen will invest up to €1 billion in AI by 2030 to accelerate development, production, and competitiveness in the automotive sector.
AI as an innovation driver
Currently, over 1,200 AI applications are active within the Group, with hundreds more in development. Widespread use of artificial intelligence aims for savings and greater efficiency, estimated at up to €4 billion by 2035.
Quote
"With artificial intelligence, we are igniting the next stage on our path to becoming the global automotive tech driver. AI is our key to greater speed, quality, and competitiveness – across the entire value chain, from vehicle development to production. Our ambition: No process without AI."
Hauke Stars, Member of the Board IT, Volkswagen Group
Practical AI applications
Vehicle development
Volkswagen, together with Dassault Systèmes, is building an AI-powered engineering environment for all brands. Virtual simulations and testing accelerate processes, reducing product development cycles by at least 25%.
Smart production
The Digital Production Platform connects over 40 manufacturing sites, integrating AI applications that optimize assembly, energy and material use, cut costs, and lower CO₂ emissions.
Security and knowledge sharing
AI strengthens cybersecurity and fosters digital skills, key elements for the company’s transformation.
AI training and culture
Through the WE & AI initiative, Volkswagen launched one of the largest internal training programs: over 130,000 employees are already engaged for responsible and practical AI use.
Collaboration and industrial models
Volkswagen partners with European companies to develop industrial AI models based on real data. The LIM project aims to optimize logistics and processes, inspired by the Catena-X platform, which includes leading companies like BMW, BASF, Mercedes-Benz, SAP, Siemens, ZF, and T-Systems.
Commitment to digital sovereignty
Volkswagen aims to strengthen digital resilience by expanding its private cloud infrastructure, ensuring sensitive data remains and is managed within Europe.
Conclusion
Volkswagen’s investment in AI is a key strategy to drive innovation, improve efficiency and sustainability, and consolidate technological leadership in the European automotive sector.
FAQ
- How does Volkswagen use artificial intelligence in car development?
Volkswagen integrates AI for virtual simulations and testing, speeding up vehicle development cycles. - What are the benefits of Volkswagen’s AI investment?
AI brings efficiency, cost reduction, and greater competitiveness to the automotive sector. - How many AI applications are active at Volkswagen Group?
Over 1,200 AI applications are operational, with many more in development. - What is Volkswagen’s Digital Production Platform?
It’s a cloud platform connecting over 40 manufacturing sites, integrating AI to optimize processes and resources. - How does Volkswagen promote AI training?
Through the WE & AI program, over 130,000 employees have been trained in responsible AI use. - What is the goal of the LIM project?
LIM aims to create industrial AI models to optimize logistics and processes among European companies. - Why does Volkswagen invest in European cloud infrastructure?
To ensure digital sovereignty and protect sensitive data within Europe. - Which companies collaborate with Volkswagen on Catena-X?
BMW, BASF, Mercedes-Benz, SAP, Siemens, ZF, and T-Systems are key partners.