Volkswagen Group and Rivian’s joint venture RV Tech has finished winter testing of its production-intent zonal architecture for a first generation of software-defined vehicles (SDV).

The JV, launched in 2024, focuses on creating software and electronic systems that are critical for the future of electric and autonomous driving technologies.

It particularly focuses on developing technologies for upcoming models, including subcompact cars expected to launch in 2027.

The testing programme took place over several months across Phoenix, Arizona, and Arjeplog, Sweden, with participation from engineering teams representing Volkswagen, Audi, Scout and RV Tech.

The company said the two-stage exercise evaluated the performance and reliability of its electronics and software systems across a range of environmental conditions.

In Arizona, teams completed core software development work and prepared reference vehicles ahead of winter trials.

The programme then moved to Sweden, where vehicles were subjected to extreme snow and ice conditions.

Testing in Sweden centred on how hardware and software systems interact in demanding scenarios, including all-wheel drive, traction control and overall driving performance.

Over-the-air (OTA) capabilities were also evaluated during this phase.

According to the announcement, the programme included hundreds of test procedures and validation cycles, along with approval drives carried out in Germany and Sweden involving development leaders from the participating brands.

“The results demonstrate that the SDV architecture already operates reliably under harsh winter climatic and dynamic driving conditions,” according to a press statement.

Volkswagen Group intends to introduce the SDV architecture in electric vehicles across Western Hemisphere markets, supporting features such as advanced infotainment and highly automated driving enabled through OTA updates.

Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume said: “We are accelerating toward the future. With the successful completion of the winter tests, our joint venture once again demonstrates the speed and precision of its work.

“The close integration between the joint venture, our brands, and the Group follows a clear objective: to excite people with products and technologies that set new standards.”