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Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz announce major automotive technology shifts
Volkswagen is restructuring its driving assistance and automated driving development by forming a new organization called ‘OneTeam’. This unit will merge the capabilities of its software subsidiary, Cariad, with various group brands to accelerate development and improve collaboration. The move follows significant downsizing at Cariad, which has seen its workforce drop from approximately 6,500 to 4,300 since late 2023, with plans for an additional 1,000 job cuts. Manuel Birke will lead the new unit, reporting to both Audi and Cariad management.
Separately, Mercedes-Benz is investing approximately 500 million euros into artificial intelligence through its new PLM.AI initiative. This digital architecture aims to unify data and engineering processes, potentially reducing the need for physical vehicle testing by half. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz has expanded its partnership with Nvidia to develop the ‘MB. Drive Assist Pro’ system. This SAE Level 2 technology is designed to support point-to-point driving in urban environments. The system is expected to be available for order in the first half of 2027, with early access for selected customers in Stuttgart and Munich starting in late 2026.
Entities
Audi · CARIAD · Germany · Jörg Burzer · Mercedes-Benz · Munich · Nvidia · Stuttgart · Volkswagen
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] MB. Drive Assist Pro will be available for order in Germany in the first half of 2027. lomazoma.com · www.ithome.com · www.kfz-betrieb.vogel.de · mbpassion.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Mercedes-Benz plans to offer early access to the driving system in Stuttgart and Munich at the end of 2026. lomazoma.com · www.ithome.com · mbpassion.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mercedes-Benz is investing nearly 500 million euros in AI for vehicle development. www.cnnbrasil.com.br
- [DISPUTED] The MB. Drive Assist Pro system is classified as SAE Level 2. www.ithome.com · www.kfz-betrieb.vogel.de · mbpassion.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The PLM.AI initiative aims to reduce physical vehicle testing by half. www.cnnbrasil.com.br
- [● 4 SOURCES] Volkswagen is creating a new organization called ‘OneTeam’ to consolidate driving assistance development. havadis.at · www.vol.at · www.suedtirolnews.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] Cariad plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 1,000 positions. havadis.at · www.vol.at · www.suedtirolnews.it
- [● 5 SOURCES] Mercedes-Benz and Nvidia are collaborating on the MB. Drive Assist Pro system. lomazoma.com · www.motorionline.com · www.ithome.com · www.kfz-betrieb.vogel.de · mbpassion.de