June 7, 2025 – A significant milestone has been reached in the ongoing $5 billion software partnership between Rivian and the Volkswagen Group, as revealed by motor1 today. The platform technology set to be utilized in Rivian’s next-generation SUV is poised to become the digital backbone for all future electric vehicles (EVs) across Volkswagen’s brand portfolio.
In essence, Volkswagen’s entire lineup of EVs will now be built upon the technological framework of Rivian’s R2. Wassym Bensaid, Rivian’s Chief Software Officer, emphasized that the R2’s modular platform would serve as the cornerstone for Volkswagen’s future EV endeavors. “The R2 will underpin all of Volkswagen’s future electric offerings. We’re bringing our highly modular and scalable tech stack to the brands under the Volkswagen umbrella, all while preserving each brand’s unique identity,” he stated.
This implies that every brand within the Volkswagen Group, including Audi, Porsche, Scout, Lamborghini, Skoda, and Seat, will adopt the R2’s technology. Bensaid further elaborated, “Each brand will maintain its distinct interface design and driving dynamics… However, beneath the surface, vehicles will be optimized based on a unified software and technology platform.”
Volkswagen’s software challenges are no secret. Its software division, Cariad, faced significant setbacks due to unstable software performance, leading to a restructuring effort. Last year, the company even had to halt sales of several models in the European market, including the Audi R2 and TT, Porsche 718 Cayman, Boxster, and Macan, as well as the Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 and Up, due to non-compliance with the United Nations’ UN R155 cybersecurity regulations.
