VW Group China Automated Driving Accelerates AI Development Through CARIZON

Volkswagen Group China Expands AI Collaboration For Automated Driving

VW Group China automated driving development is accelerating as CARIAD announced an expanded partnership with Horizon Robotics through CARIZON on July 22. The companies signed a new agreement focused on strengthening collaboration for AI foundation models that support advanced automated driving technologies. The partnership enables CARIZON to access Horizon Robotics' AI capabilities and develop an end-to-end AI driving model designed to manage the complete driving process, from sensor inputs to driving decisions, supporting future mobility solutions.

The collaboration between VW Group China, CARIAD, and Horizon Robotics combines multiple technology platforms to improve automated driving capabilities. CARIZON's C7H System-on-Chip (SoC) and GAIA World Model data platform will support Level 3 and future Level 4 automated driving functions while enhancing current L2++ driver assistance systems. The integrated AI approach is expected to improve decision-making performance and enable more advanced vehicle automation features across different vehicle platforms.

CARIZON AI Platform Supports Future L3 And L4 Deployment

CARIZON's AI system will be integrated with the China Electronic Architecture (CEA) developed for China operations and will be adaptable across multiple vehicle platforms and models. The technology is planned for use in China and other Global South markets, allowing broader deployment of advanced driver assistance and automated driving solutions. This architecture-based approach provides flexibility for different vehicle programs while supporting the future expansion of intelligent driving technologies.

Production Expansion Across Volkswagen Group China Vehicle Models

CARIZON's L2++ ADAS solution with expanded urban Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) capabilities entered series production in the second half of 2026. The system will be introduced across seven new energy vehicle (NEV) models from Volkswagen Group China's joint ventures during the year. The technology will then expand to additional models using the CEA platform in the following year, creating a wider foundation for advanced driver assistance adoption.

Planned Timeline For Higher Level Automated Driving

Volkswagen Group China plans to begin delivering Level 3 automated driving capabilities in the second half of 2027. The company also aims to expand these capabilities into selected international markets in the future. Through the collaboration with Horizon Robotics and CARIZON, Volkswagen Group China is strengthening its AI-based driving technology roadmap and preparing scalable solutions for higher levels of vehicle automation across multiple regions.

Key Technology Platforms Supporting CARIZON Automated Driving

The expanded partnership represents a strategic step toward developing scalable AI-powered driving systems for future vehicles. By combining AI foundation models, computing hardware, and vehicle architecture integration, CARIZON is positioned to support the transition from existing L2++ driver assistance systems toward higher automation levels. The collaboration also highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence partnerships in accelerating automated driving development across major automotive markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CARIZON developing with Horizon Robotics?
CARIZON is developing an end-to-end AI driving model using Horizon Robotics' AI technology to support advanced automated driving functions. The system combines sensor input processing, driving decision capabilities, and vehicle integration technologies. It uses the C7H System-on-Chip (SoC) and GAIA World Model data platform to support Level 3 and future Level 4 automated driving while improving existing L2++ driver assistance systems. The technology will be integrated with Volkswagen Group China's electronic architecture for wider vehicle deployment.