Volkswagen is set to showcase its first AI-powered, highly automated driving system (ADAS) at Auto Shanghai, which is scheduled from 23 April to 2 May 2025 in China.
Specifically tailored for China’s complex traffic conditions, the the self-learning system is designed to deliver a seamless and exceptionally safe driving experience.
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The ADAS has been developed through a collaboration between CARIAD, Volkswagen’s software division, and Horizon Robotics under their joint venture, CARIZON.
A key component of Volkswagen’s “In China, for China” strategy, the ADAS provides Level 2++ autonomy designed to perform effectively in both highway and complex urban environments, Volkswagen said.
It will be featured in a Volkswagen-brand model in China before the end of this year and is planned to be integrated into models based on the China-specific compact main platform (CMP) from next year.
Volkswagen AG Group China board member Ralf Brandstätter said: “The system has been developed at ‘China speed’, fully tailored to the needs of our Chinese customers and will set a new benchmark in the market for driving performance, safety and quality. The rapid progress we have made reflects the outstanding capabilities of our joint venture CARIZON and the successful implementation of our ‘In China, for China’ strategy.”
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By GlobalDataTrained by intelligent AI-driven data platform GAIA, the ADAS offers “highly precise and fully safety-focused” driving functions up to Level 2++. This lays a foundation for future advancements toward Level 3 and beyond, Volkswagen said.
CARIZON CEO Marcus Hafkemeyer said: “With a team of 500 local ADAS experts and the consistent integration of AI in the development process, we have built an advanced ADAS system in a very short time—one that will deliver outstanding performance in driving performance and safety.
“This year, we will bring Level 2+ ADAS to the road. Level 2++ ADAS with Urban Navigate on Autopilot (NoA) is in advanced testing and will be launched in 2026. This will also enable us to lay the technological foundations for a fast-track evolution towards Level 3.”
Currently, one in four new vehicles in China is equipped with a Level 2 driving system for highway scenarios.
By 2030, it is anticipated that more than 80% of vehicles in the market will use Level 2+ systems, and 75% will be equipped with Level 2++ systems, covering both highway and urban traffic scenarios.
Volkswagen plans to launch over 20 fully electric and electrified NEV models by 2027 and offer around 30 fully electric models by 2030.
Earlier this month, Volkswagen said it plans to unveil three electric concept cars at the Auto Shanghai event in China.
