One year after its establishment, the joint venture between Volkswagen Group and Rivian, named "Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies" (RV Tech), reports significant progress in developing software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture. The collaboration focuses on creating a zonal electronic system intended to modernize how vehicles are managed and updated.
Since its founding in November 2024, RV Tech has been tasked with designing a modular central computer system for vehicles, enabling all functions to be controlled digitally. This approach allows customers to receive over-the-air updates for automated driving features and infotainment systems, eliminating the need for service center visits and keeping vehicles current.
The Volkswagen Group plans to integrate this SDV architecture into electric vehicles based on its upcoming SSP platform. The company anticipates that the SSP platform will support up to 30 million units across various segments and markets globally. Rivian intends to use these technologies in its future products—specifically the R2, R3, and R3X models—and also update its existing fleet with the latest software.
Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, stated: “Our joint venture with Rivian demonstrates how we at Volkswagen Group envision and deliver progress: with speed, precision, and a strong customer focus. The joint venture is rapidly developing the architecture for our future software-defined vehicles. Every step toward achieving our ambitious goals is being executed with determination and clear focus. In close collaboration with our brands, a technological foundation has been created in just twelve months that will enable a new digital driving experience for our customers at accessible prices. Together, this strategic partnership will set new standards for the future of mobility.”
RJ Scaringe, Founder and CEO of Rivian, commented: “We remain incredibly excited by the work coming out of our joint venture with Volkswagen Group. RV Tech has gone from strength to strength over the last 12 months and is raising the bar in automotive technology. We’re incredibly excited about the launch of R2 in the first half of next year, which will showcase the advancements the joint venture has made.”
Looking ahead to early 2026, RV Tech is preparing reference vehicles from Volkswagen’s brands—including Scout and Audi—for winter testing of SDV features under cold conditions. Hardware specifications for these test vehicles were established earlier in 2025 as part of efforts to validate performance under challenging climates.
Among these reference models is the Volkswagen ID.EVERY1; engineering prototypes have been undergoing development since summer 2025 at RV Tech locations in Palo Alto and Irvine. This model is expected to launch in 2027 as Volkswagen’s first production vehicle featuring SDV architecture aimed at providing advanced digital technology within an entry-level electric segment.
The joint venture continues collaborating with other Volkswagen brands on further technical specifications for future SSP-based models anticipated by decade’s end. This ongoing work seeks to ensure efficient integration of digital capabilities into mass production lines.
RV Tech now employs more than 1,500 people across sites in the United States, Canada, Sweden, Serbia, and most recently Berlin—a move designed to improve cooperation between European teams working within similar time zones.