AI partnership for ADAS and robotaxis
Volkswagen uses Horizon AI to accelerate Level 3 driving
Volkswagen Group China plans to use the technology in seven new electric vehicles during 2026.
Cariad
Volkswagen Group China is expanding its partnership with Horizon Robotics and gaining white-box access to an AI foundation model. The aim is to speed up an in-house stack for Level 3 functions from 2027 and prepare future Level 4 applications for passenger cars and robotaxis.
Volkswagen Group China is expanding its cooperation with Horizon Robotics to accelerate the development of automated-driving systems. The agreement gives the group white-box access to an AI foundation model that can be inspected, adapted and integrated into its own software.
The work will be carried out through Carizon, Volkswagen Group’s China-based unit for intelligent driving systems. The first Level 3 functions are planned for the second half of 2027, while the same technical basis is intended to support Level 4 applications later.
What does white-box access enable?
The access allows Carizon’s developers to examine how the model works and tailor it to Volkswagen’s requirements. On this basis, the group plans to develop a unified AI driving model that processes sensor data, assesses traffic situations and derives driving decisions.
Volkswagen says the system should interpret complex traffic more effectively, anticipate the behaviour of other road users and recognise rare situations more reliably. These statements on performance and safety are based on the company announcement and will still have to be demonstrated in series production.
The partnership further strengthens Volkswagen’s ties with Horizon Robotics, which is also working with other automotive suppliers on AI-based Level 3 systems for China.
How will the local technology stack be built?
The foundation model will be combined with other components developed in China. These include Carizon’s C7H system-on-chip and the GAIA World Model data platform. Together, they are intended to form an in-house technology stack for driver assistance and automated driving.
The architecture is initially intended for Level 3 systems. In the longer term, it should also support Level 4 functions for passenger cars and robotaxis. Volkswagen plans to continue developing its existing assistance systems in parallel.
A close connection with the China Electronic Architecture is also planned. This locally developed zonal E/E architecture should make it easier to deploy the software across different vehicle platforms and model ranges.
Where will the L2++ system enter production?
Carizon delivered an L2+ system at the end of 2025, according to Volkswagen. It supports automated motorway functions and stored parking manoeuvres and is used in the ID. UNYX 07 and ID. UNYX 06.
The more advanced L2++ version has now entered series production. It is intended to add automated functions for urban traffic, with the first vehicles due to reach Chinese roads in the third quarter of 2026.
Volkswagen Group China plans to use the technology in seven new electric vehicles during 2026. The models come from the group’s various Chinese joint ventures. From 2027, the system is expected to expand to further model ranges based on the new electronics architecture.
When will Level 3 functions follow?
Volkswagen plans to introduce Level 3 functions in the second half of 2027. At this level of automation, the vehicle can take over the driving task under defined conditions, although the driver must remain able to resume control when requested.
The expanded partnership continues Volkswagen’s strategy of moving key software and development work closer to the Chinese market. According to group CEO Oliver Blume, China has become an important innovation centre for software, artificial intelligence and automated driving.
Systems developed in China could later become relevant for other regions with similar customer requirements and technical conditions. Volkswagen has not named specific countries or announced launch dates outside China.
