German car maker Volkswagen has selected French software group Dassault Systèmes to advance its digital infrastructure for vehicle development.

The long-term collaboration will see the implementation of the Dassault’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform by Volkswagen to optimise the engineering and manufacturing stages of its vehicles, leveraging the power of virtual twins.

Professionals, including engineers and designers, from Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche will use virtual twins to enhance and streamline the vehicle development process.

Planned to be deployed in the cloud, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform will serve as the core engineering and manufacturing system for Volkswagen Group.

The platform will facilitate a collaborative virtual environment where teams can simulate, test, and refine vehicles.

Volkswagen Group IT board member Hauke Stars said: “We are advancing the development of our next-generation IT system landscape, and the decision to partner with Dassault Systèmes marks an important milestone.

“With consistent data streams and AI solutions built on them, we are creating a true technological leap for our teams in development and factory planning. At the same time, we are sustainably reducing IT costs and accelerating processes by streamlining our system complexity and utilising virtual twins.”

Volkswagen Group plans to utilise four Dassault Systèmes industry solution experiences including "Global Modular Architecture," "Smart, Safe and Connected," "Efficient Multi-Energy Platform," and "On-Target Vehicle Launch."

Dassault Systèmes CEO Pascal Daloz said: “After four decades of partnership rooted in innovation and trust, we’re now embarking on the next chapter with Volkswagen Group with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform at its core.

“Our AI-powered virtual twins and the strength and resilience of the cloud will unify Volkswagen Group’s hardware and software innovation and unleash the knowledge and know-how to accelerate its software-driven transformation.”

Last month, it was reported that Volkswagen was considering sharing its excess production lines in Europe with Chinese electric vehicle makers.

The decision came amid a decrease in demand and heightened competition, potentially leading to Chinese manufacturers taking over idle production lines, especially in Germany.