Volkswagen Group has selected NXP Semiconductors as a technology partner to supply microcontrollers for its future zonal software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture, with the first vehicle using the platform planned for 2027.
NXP’s S32K5 microcontroller family will become a common building block for zonal control across Volkswagen brands and vehicle segments.
The chips will also support the architecture under development by Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (RV Tech), Volkswagen’s joint venture with Rivian.
The platform is intended for vehicles from both companies, while retaining scope for brand-specific features and user experiences.
Volkswagen is moving away from a model in which a growing number of digital vehicle functions are managed through separate electronic control units, a structure that increases development and parts-management complexity and limits scalability.
Under a zonal architecture, more capable microcontrollers consolidate functions into fewer control units.
The S32K5 MCUs are designed to combine functions that would previously have required separate chips and control units within zonal controllers, reducing hardware complexity.
They will operate as core processors in these controllers, connecting sensors and actuators; collecting and processing data from defined vehicle areas; and managing lighting, body, comfort, chassis, and safety systems.
High-performance central processors will provide computing capacity and decision-making for AI-enabled functions, including automated driving and advanced infotainment.
The zonal controllers will provide these systems with the underlying vehicle data and control capabilities needed to support advanced features.
Volkswagen Brand board member for procurement Karsten Schnake said: “Our partnership with NXP is another step in this journey, showing how Volkswagen Group is taking a more active role in the semiconductor value chain: defining our technology needs early, leveraging our scale across brands and creating greater long-term planning certainty for both sides.”
The agreement forms part of Volkswagen’s semiconductor strategy, which emphasises direct, long-term partnerships with chipmakers to improve supply resilience and co-develop technologies for future vehicle generations.
NXP President and CEO Rafael Sotomayor said: “Together with Volkswagen Group and RV Tech, NXP is bringing scalable real-time compute, trusted edge intelligence and continuous software innovation together to create a scalable foundation for the next generation of intelligent vehicles.”
