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VW: Problems with Cariad software cause delays

In the age of digitalization, software is taking on an increasingly important role. This is also the case with cars, which VW is currently painfully experiencing firsthand. Cariad, the automotive group’s in-house software, seems to have some problems. The consequence could be that VW’s actual schedule can no longer be met.

Models delayed by several years

There seem to be chaotic conditions at the VW subsidiary Cariad. At the very least, the software company is falling well short of its stated goals. Just last week, we reported on the plans VW is pursuing with its Cariad unified software. This is intended to achieve one thing above all: more uniformity for less complexity. In particular, cross-brand complete update packages are to ensure that it is made easier for customers, but also for the group itself. However, what may sound good in theory obviously cannot be achieved without hurdles in practice.

Since the company has already firmly scheduled the software for many of the upcoming models, some long-awaited vehicles will be delayed willy-nilly. Sometimes the models are now to go on sale years later than originally planned. In a report by Automobilwoche, it becomes clear how serious the problem is. Here, the paper refers to the Audi Landjet, which was actually scheduled to launch in 2024. Due to the problems with Cariad, fans will now probably have to wait until 2027.

Bentley’s zero percent target now almost impossible

Many different car brands belong to the gigantic VW Group. Among them is the upscale British brand Bentley. Since the company has so far been known more for fast luxury cars, it recently surprised the public when it declared its zero-percent target. The plan behind this is to offer only electric cars for sale from 2030. While Bentley’s entire corporate philosophies are being thrown into disarray, the German car brands Porsche and Audi are “only” delaying some models. For example, the release of the Audi Q6 E-Tron and Porsche Macan, scheduled for 2023, is now also likely to be delayed due to the problems with Cariad.

Confusion over different versions of Cariad

The big goal of current software development is undoubtedly likely to be version 2.0 of Cariad. This is intended to take autonomous driving to a new level. In particular, Audi’s heart project Landjet wants to make autonomous driving presentable. However, the software department now seems to consider this utopian. So, without further ado, they want to incorporate slight improvements in version 1.2 of Cariad. This software is then to be used in the Audi Landyacht. The Ingolstadt company has included this in its portfolio as a replacement for the Landjet. It is scheduled to appear in 2025.

Audi Landjet (Image: Audi)

However, even the required version 1.2 has probably not even been completed yet. It is this that is causing the delays to the Q6 E-Tron car and the all-electric Porsche Macan. That sounds like a lot of trouble behind the scenes at VW. Given upcoming highlights like the recently unveiled VW ID. Aero, this may well dampen the mood somewhat. We are curious to see whether the car company will still get a grip on the problem with its in-house software Cariad.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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In the age of digitalization, software is taking on an increasingly important role. This is also the case with cars, which VW is currently painfully experiencing firsthand. Cariad, the automotive group’s in-house software, seems to have some problems. The consequence could be that VW’s actual schedule can no longer be met. Models delayed by several … (Weiterlesen...)

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