Interview with Melanie Sohnemann, Volkswagen
“The strongest enabler is cross-brand governance”
Melanie Sohnemann studied Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Materials Science at TU Braunschweig and holds an IHK qualification as a certified materials tester.
Melanie Sohnemann
As SDV architectures increase system complexity, modularisation becomes a key lever for cost, scalability and integration. Volkswagen’s Melanie Sohnemann explains how standardised connector systems can enable cross-brand reuse and accelerate SDV rollout.
As Head of the Sub-Department for Wiring Harness Components
and Energy Distribution at Volkswagen, Melanie Sohnemann is responsible for the
development and integration of connector systems and energy distribution
solutions. With a background in mechanical engineering and materials science,
she has built extensive experience in quality
assurance and technical development within
the wiring harness domain.
Since joining Volkswagen in 2013, she has taken on
group-wide responsibilities for vehicle cables and connector systems and has
held leadership roles in technical development since 2021. Her work focuses on
enabling scalable architectures that support Volkswagen’s
transition towards the Software-Defined Vehicle.
At the Bordnetzkongress 2026
in Ludwigsburg, she will speak on “Modular Connection Systems from an OEM
Perspective”. Ahead of the conference, we had the opportunity to speak with
her.
ADT: Looking ahead five years, what will be
the single biggest challenge for the wiring harness
and EDS industry and why?
Sohnemann: The biggest challenge will be managing
SDV-driven complexity while reducing cost, weight and development time. Zonal
architectures and higher functional density will push the limits of today’s
wiring and connector concepts.
Which architectural decision being made today will most
strongly determine cost, complexity and flexibility over the next decade?
The key decision is the degree of standardisation of
connectors and interfaces. A modular toolbox with standardised designs—this
choice will dictate future cost, flexibility and time to market.
What does a modular connection system mean for Volkswagen
in practice, such as interfaces, part families, assembly processes or
diagnostics?
Standardised connector interfaces for highly different needs
enable cross-brand reuse and faster ECU integration. In practice, modularity
becomes a group-wide enabler for the SDV rollout.
Where is the sweet spot between modularity and packaging
constraints, and where does modularity start to cost more than it saves?
Modularity pays off when volumes are high. It becomes costly
when modules force oversized housings or unused cavities in very tight
installation spaces.
Which elements should be standardised across platforms
and which must remain vehicle-specific?
Standardised elements include standard modules for different
pin sizes and interface designs. Vehicle-specific elements include the number
of modules per ECU and the arrangement of modules.
What is the biggest organisational enabler for
modularity, such as governance, requirements discipline or supplier
collaboration?
The strongest enabler is cross-brand governance combined
with strict requirements discipline. Governance ensures that modules are reused
consistently across all brands and that volume grows to support economic
scaling. Requirements discipline ensures that engineering teams do not redesign
connectors whenever new ECUs are launched. Supplier collaboration is essential
but only effective when internal governance and clear standards already exist.
In short, governance defines the rules and discipline ensures they are
followed.
Finally, what do you personally hope to take away from
the Bordnetzkongress 2026 in Ludwigsburg?
I hope to leave the congress with fresh ideas and practical
inspiration that help us accelerate our harness component development and
strengthen collaboration across the industry.
