VW Group relies on autonomous driving assistants from Mobileye

According to a Volkswagen Group press release, Mobileye provides technologies for partially and highly automated driving based on its SuperVision and Chauffeur platforms. The Group brands Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche intend to use this technology to rapidly introduce new driving functions into their model portfolio with all drive types – specifically, extended Level 2 functions and, in future, Level 3. From this level, the vehicle can temporarily take over the driving task in designated areas, and drivers do not have to monitor the system permanently.

In addition, Mobileye will supply additional technology components for autonomous driving for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, but we are already talking about Level 4, “fully automated driving.” The declared goal of Volkswagen subsidiary Volkswagen ADMT (Autonomous Driving, Mobility and Transport) is to develop self-driving ID. Buzz vehicles for mobility and transportation services.

“Bringing autonomous shuttles onto the road in large numbers requires the cooperation of strong partners,” says Christian Senger, Board Member for Autonomous Driving, Mobility and Transport (ADMT) at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles: “We are developing the first fully autonomous mass-produced vehicle, and Mobileye is bringing the digital driver on board.” A major advantage of the cooperation is the synergy with systems for automated driving in the Group; modules can be used together via SAE levels 2+ to 4, depending on the expansion stage.

Level 4 initially for VWCV only

According to the VW Group, the functions for the premium brands include “advanced assistance systems for highway and urban driving, such as automated overtaking on multilane highways in permitted areas and conditions, as well as automatic stopping at red lights and stop signs, and support in intersections and roundabouts.” Compared to the current systems, which work best on motorways, there would be a noticeable expansion of the functions in urban traffic with traffic lights, stop signs, and roundabouts.

VW emphasises that all driver assistance systems are based on the software architectures developed by its subsidiary Cariad. That refers to E3 1.2, which is used in the new Porsche Macan, the Audi Q6 e-tro, and the upcoming PPE models. “The brands decide on the specific deployment of the systems and tailor them to a brand-specific driving experience,” it says. For the E3 1.2, VW still relies on partners such as Mobileye to deploy the technology quickly.

In the long term, the Group is relying on its “own complete in-house system” – for the “future E3 2.0 architecture”, VW wants to “forge ahead.” Existing partnerships with Bosch, Qualcomm and Horizon Robotics in China “will be continued with a focus.” The system will then debut in the all-electric SSP Scalable Systems Platform. The SSP is described here as the Group’s “all-electric, fully digital, and highly scalable mechatronics” platform.

“Our goal is to offer our customers throughout the world outstanding products with cutting-edge technology,” says Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group and Porsche AG. “New automated driving functions will significantly boost convenience and safety. These functions, which will be tailored to our brands and products, will make every trip a personal, individual experience. In Mobileye, we have an additional first-class partner to shape this automotive future together.”

“We are proud to work closely with Volkswagen Group to make the future of driving safer, more automated and more rewarding, “says Amnon Shashua, President and CEO of Mobileye. “Through these programs, we see Volkswagen Group leading the industry in putting AI-powered advanced driver assistance technology in the hands of consumers globally and developing new services with autonomous vehicles. “

volkswagen-group.com, vwn-presse.de (in German, login required)