IMD business school for management and leadership courses

In January 2024, Volkswagen announced the creation of an AI Lab, a globally networked center to incubate AI-driven automotive innovations. The lab aims to develop proofs of concept and integrate these innovations into VW vehicles, enhancing the customer experience. CEO Oliver Blume emphasized the importance of linking external digital ecosystems to VW’s products, offering genuine value through AI.

Volkswagen’s automation strategy leverages AI to enhance efficiency and innovation across its operations. AI-powered collaborative robots (cobots) work alongside human operators, streamlining manufacturing processes, reducing cycle times, and improving product quality.   

AI-driven voice assistants, powered by ChatGPT, have been integrated into VW’s vehicles, allowing for seamless, intuitive control of in-car functions. Additionally, natural language processing (NLP) is used to automate the analysis of reports and claims, enhancing customer service by rapidly detecting potential quality issues and ensuring swift resolutions. “We want to offer our customers genuine added value with artificial intelligence. We aim to link external digital ecosystems with the vehicle, creating an even better product experience,” says Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group and Porsche AG.

2024 AI-related highlights

• Establishes AI Lab to identify new product ideas and to collaborate with the tech sector (January 2024)
• Škoda Auto and Volkswagen Group Technology Solutions India launch a Prague IT hub to enhance AI, data analytics, and digitalization efforts. (Mar 2024)
• Announces plan to test its fully autonomous ID Buzz robotaxi in Hamburg, Germany with a safety driver (April 2024)
• Integrates ChatGPT into its vehicles via Cerence, enhancing voice assistant capabilities for a better user experience. (Jun 2024)
• Partners with Google Cloud to integrate generative AI into the myVW app for Atlas owners. (Sept 2024)