Volkswagen, NXP Partner on Chips for Future Vehicle Architecture

Volkswagen Group and NXP Semiconductors have agreed to work together on the automaker’s future software-defined vehicle architecture, with NXP chips intended to support zonal control across Volkswagen brands and vehicle segments.

NXP’s S32K5 microcontrollers are intended to be a common building block for the architecture. Zonal controllers manage functions in different areas of a vehicle, connecting sensors and other components while handling tasks such as lighting, comfort, chassis and safety systems. Combining those tasks in fewer controllers can reduce the need for separate electronic control units.

The architecture is being developed by Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, LLC, a joint venture between Volkswagen Group and Rivian. It is intended for vehicles from both companies, with room for features specific to each brand.

Volkswagen plans to introduce the architecture in its first vehicle in 2027.