Rivian and Volkswagen announced a new partnership earlier this year, but it’s just now become official. The pair recently formalized their joint venture, which could be worth billions over the next few years.
The pair’s plan could see VW invest as much as $5.8 billion to gain access to Rivian’s software and technology, up from the original $5 billion plan. Those funds will help Rivian launch its next-generation EVs, and VW will lean on Rivian’s architecture for new vehicles slated for release as early as 2027.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said, “Today’s finalization of our joint venture with Volkswagen Group marks an important step forward in helping transition the world to electric vehicles. We’re thrilled to see our technology being integrated in vehicles outside of Rivian, and we’re excited for the future.”
Volkswagen has struggled with software issues, which delayed the Porsche Macan EV’s release and have caused headaches across the Group’s brands. After the initial rollout of Rivian tech to VW vehicles, the automaker plans to expand its use across brands like Audi, Porsche, and Bentley.
The partnership only covers software, electronics, and network architecture, according to Scaringe. “Any type of partnership, whether it be looking at sharing production capacity, sharing vehicle platforms, sharing propulsion hardware, that would be independent and separate from what we’ve announced today.”
[Images: Rivian, Volkswagen]
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Source: The Truth About Cars
