Ekalore’s first post talked about issues with Cariad’s recent losses and setbacks. The article concludes with a quick review of Cariad’s strategy and its recent evolution.
The unified “VW.OS” strategy is more in doubt as VW’s CEO speaks of expanding partnerships to achieve “software-vehicle development interaction.” VW.OS “1.1” is deployed in some products now, with additional development for “1.2” and “2.0” software releases planned in the future. The market launch of these software platforms has spawned anecdotal reports of problems with software largely grown out of pre-existing VW efforts prior to “VW.OS.”
What is clear is that the failure to advance the Cariad unit’s maturity has delayed VW software releases for years. Multiple plans and commitments are not fully met with deliveries from Cariad. This directly impacts the delivery of EV platforms (iD series and Audi eTron). In a clear indication of the software’s maturity, no release date for multiple product platforms has been announced for North America. The financial performance of software-related enterprise restructurings and failed ventures (like Argo AI) also impact VW Group's profitability. The key need to execute and deliver products is now at risk at VW Group.
Clearly, the infotainment software strategy is being changed as Porsche brands have announced the use of Google Play and Apps. VW has indicated it wants to go with the platform choice of having a product-specific AppCommerce business model as well. In China (the single largest unified marketspace for VW), setbacks in sales have placed pressure where infotainment and interior software from Thundersoft is currently in progress. Likely, due to regulatory and other Chinese-marketspace features, the software in China will likely diverge from all other VW product platforms. This was not the intention of the VW.OS project, which sought unified software bases across platforms.
VW has been forced to address changing buyer and regulatory preferences for cars that are more intelligent, connected and integrated into digital lifestyles. Though VW has invested billions in Cariad, it’s still plagued by missed deadlines and split development projects due to geopolitical considerations. The whole need for a “Car OS” stems from the alien invasion of the traditional ICE car market by classic Alien Invaders like Tesla.
If you’d like to read more articles about how Alien Invaders (overwhelming competition from another marketplace), you can find them at www.ekalore.com/alien-invaders
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