Photo credit: Volkswagen/Microsoft
Two unlikely partners have joined forces in hopes of creating an all-new self-driving car software, taking a massive step forward in the future of autonomous driving.
Microsoft and the Volkswagen Group announced a partnership that aims to create a dedicated cloud-based platform for cars of the future. The tech and automaker collaboration bode well for the future of autonomous driving, combining the automaking success of Volkswagen and the global cloud mastery of the tech-giant in Microsoft; a potential game-changer is in the crosshairs. What will the collaboration look like—let’s take a look.
Details of the Microsoft and Volkswagen Collab
The two partners will work hand-in-hand in developing the cloud-based platform stateside, with Volkswagen establishing a new cloud development office and Microsoft providing hands-on and resource support in the initial stages. The cloud company will also help accelerate hiring via human resources and consulting services to expedite the process.
“As we transform Volkswagen Group into a digital mobility provider, we are looking to continuously increase the efficiency of our software development. We are building the Automated Driving Platform with Microsoft to simplify our developers’ work through one scalable and data-based engineering environment,” said Dirk Hilgenberg, CEO of the Car.Software Organisation. “By combining our comprehensive expertise in the development of connected driving solutions with Microsoft’s cloud and software engineering know-how, we will accelerate the delivery of safe and comfortable mobility services.”
What to expect
It’s safe to assume the partnership between Microsoft and Volkswagen will largely benefit the automaker’s digital transformation sector. Microsoft’s Azure platform will serve as the foundation for its Automotive Cloud and Connect services for the VW lineup. Azure, is a cloud computing service intended for testing, deploying, building, and managing applications and services through the company’s data centers.
Future plans include operating all in-car services for the Volkswagen brand through Microsoft’s Azure platform, allowing for efficient syncing and streamlining of technological services. By 2025, Volkswagen is expected to pour in close to $30 billion in digital transformation space and increase the in-house development of software-based operations from 10 to 60 percent. Both companies will also build Automated Driving (AD) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with one development platform that will further streamline the self-driving software transition.
“This is the next evolution of our foundational work with the Volkswagen Group to enhance their transformation as a software-driven mobility provider,” said Scott Guthrie, executive vice president, Cloud + AI at Microsoft. “The power of Microsoft Azure and its computer, data, and AI capabilities will enable Volkswagen to deliver secure and reliable automated driving solutions to their customers faster.”
Hopping into a new Volkswagen
While there are no fully self-driving vehicles out there just yet, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the Volkswagen experience completely.
Searching for a new option to buy or lease? Take a look at the new vehicle inventory or quality pre-owned vehicles at a local Florida Volkswagen today. Interested in servicing? Make an online service appointment to visit the service center. Allow professional techs to get started on all repairs or maintenance work. Stop by and see what they can do for you and your vehicle.
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Terry is an avid Nascar fan who grew up attending races at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, just down the road from his hometown of China Grove, NC. Terry currently resides in Wellington and has been writing for 15 years. He also enjoys watching the Road Runner Looney Tunes cartoon with his two sons in his spare time.