Volkswagen Restructures for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Written with artificial intelligence.
Volkswagen is reorganizing its internal structures to enhance the development of highly automated and autonomous driving systems in Europe. The new unit, named 'OneTeam,' aims to improve collaboration between its software brand Cariad and other group brands.
New Organizational Structure
Volkswagen will consolidate its development efforts for driver assistance systems and highly automated driving in Europe by establishing a new organization called "OneTeam." This initiative is part of an internal strategy to accelerate development and improve collaboration across various brands within the group.
Goals and Leadership
The newly formed unit is set to begin operations in November. Werner Tietz, head of group research and development, emphasized that this move is intended to enhance efficiency during the ongoing transformation. The leadership of Audi will oversee the unit, while Manuel Birke, Cariad's head of driver assistance systems, will lead the organization and report to both the Audi and Cariad management boards.
Changes in Cariad
Cariad has been undergoing significant changes, shifting its focus under CEO Oliver Blume. Unlike his predecessor, Herbert Diess, Blume has opted for fewer in-house developments, instead partnering with external firms such as Xpeng in China and Rivian in the USA. Notably, Volkswagen ended its collaboration with supplier Bosch on automated driving functions in July.
Workforce Adjustments
As part of this restructuring, Cariad has reduced its workforce from approximately 6,500 to around 4,300 employees, with plans to cut an additional 1,000 positions. A spokesperson stated that the goal is to create a smaller, faster tech organization with competitive working conditions.