Rivian has pushed back against reports that Volkswagen is considering replacing its jointly developed software with technology from Chinese automaker Xpeng, saying the partnership remains on track and its plans have not changed.
In a post on X on Wednesday morning, Rivian Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid, who also co-leads the Rivian and Volkswagen Group joint venture, replied to a post sharing the report.
“The Volkswagen partnership is going incredibly well and the JV roadmap remains unchanged.”
The comments follow a report that Volkswagen was considering bringing its China Electronic Architecture, developed alongside Xpeng, to its European vehicles.
The proposed move would cover around three-quarters of Volkswagen’s next-generation models across the VW, Skoda and Cupra brands, a move the report said threatens to sideline Rivian.
Volkswagen has been developing separate software for Western markets through its US$5.8 billion (C$8.1 billion) partnership with Rivian, while using the Xpeng-developed architecture in China.
However, Bensaid said the joint venture’s roadmap remains unchanged and the Volkswagen ID.1 is on track.
“VW ID1 is on-track to launch next year despite a very aggressive schedule and an innovative architecture with a single zonal computer. I have the chance to drive it over the weekend, and it’s incredibly exciting to have such technology content at a low price point.”
Volkswagen has declined to comment on the report, and no decision on the proposed Chinese software rollout has been publicly announced.
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