VW Bundles Software Operations As Connected-Car Era Beckons

Iconic German carmaker Volkswagen is bundling its software operations with an investment plan costing about €8 billion over the next three to five years.

The move has signalled another step in the electric and connected-car shift that’s heralding massive change across the entire industry.

VW says unifying its fragmented IT units will boost efficiency as it steps up sharing of parts and key technology.

The German giant employs around 650,000 workers globally, but the labour force is now steeling itself for major cutbacks as VW looks to develop a uniform operating system across all new models.

The software that will be used across VW’s vehicle underpinnings for electric, hybrid as well as combustion-engine cars, will be rolled out starting next year.