VW, Horizon Robotics' JV to design, develop computing solution in China for ADAS, autonomous driving system R&D

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On November 5, Horizon Robotics announced that CARIZON — its joint venture with Volkswagen Group China's software subsidiary CARIAD — will independently design and develop system-level computing platforms in China to support Volkswagen's development of advanced driver-assistance and autonomous driving systems.

According to the companies, this marks a major step for Volkswagen in strengthening its technological foundation for intelligent mobility. Horizon Robotics will leverage its deep expertise in hardware–software integration, high-performance computing solutions, and large-scale production to advance Volkswagen's "In China, for China" strategy.

Volkswagen and Horizon Robotics first formalized their partnership in 2022, which led to the establishment of CARIZON in November 2023. The collaboration deepened in April 2025, when both sides announced plans to jointly advance high-level driving systems based on Horizon Robotics 's all-scenario driver's assistance solution, Horizon SuperDrive™ (HSD).

The latest collaboration represents a strategic upgrade in their relationship, ushering the two partners into a new phase of "deep co-creation" focused on jointly defining and developing next-generation computing architectures.

The new system-level computing platform will combine Volkswagen's global experience in engineering and systems integration with Horizon Robotics's technical prowess in hardware–software convergence and localized mass production. Together, they aim to create the "intelligent brain" for China's next generation of intelligent connected vehicles.

Designed for "intelligent efficiency," the platform will optimize algorithmic performance to balance computing power, energy consumption, and system reliability. This will enhance the safety and scalability of Volkswagen's ADAS systems in China. The solution effectively enables vehicles to "think" — processing vast streams of data from cameras and sensors in real time to make safer, smoother, and more adaptive driving decisions suited to Chinese roads and driver behavior.

CARIZON's first ADAS solution is set to enter mass production in 2025, marking the successful conclusion of the partnership's first phase of localized R&D in intelligent driving. With the rollout of this new computing platform, the collaboration enters its second stage — one focused on strengthening Volkswagen's end-to-end intelligent driving capabilities in China and accelerating the mass production and commercialization of high-performance, reliable integrated driving systems.