Wolfsburg, Germany / Palo Alto, California – November 12, 2025 – Just one year after its inception, the joint venture between Rivian and Volkswagen Group, “RV Tech,” is already making significant strides in shaping the future of automotive technology. With a focus on developing a state-of-the-art zonal architecture and software for software-defined vehicles (SDVs), the collaboration is progressing rapidly, with winter testing of reference vehicles from Volkswagen, Audi, and Scout scheduled for Q1 2026.
RV Tech now employs an international team of over 1,500 engineers and specialists, spanning locations in the USA, Canada, Sweden, Serbia, and a newly established office in Berlin, enhancing cross-site collaboration with Volkswagen Group brands across Europe.
Pioneering SDV Architecture
Founded in November 2024, RV Tech is tasked with creating a highly advanced zonal electronic architecture and functional software to support next-generation vehicles for Volkswagen Group and Rivian, particularly targeting the Western Hemisphere. The SDV architecture relies on powerful modular central computers to control all vehicle functions, enabling features such as highly automated driving and advanced infotainment solutions. Over-the-air updates ensure that vehicles stay current without requiring service centre visits, delivering a continuously improving driving experience.
For Volkswagen Group, this SDV architecture will be implemented in electric vehicles based on the upcoming SSP platform, which aims to support up to 30 million units globally across a wide range of segments and price points. Rivian will leverage the technologies from RV Tech in its future models, including the R2, R3, and R3X, while also updating its existing fleet with the latest software advancements.
Leadership Perspectives
Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, highlighted the venture’s rapid progress:
“Our joint venture with Rivian demonstrates how we at Volkswagen Group envision and deliver progress: with speed, precision, and a strong customer focus. The joint venture is rapidly developing the architecture for our future software-defined vehicles. Every step toward achieving our ambitious goals is being executed with determination and clear focus. Together, this strategic partnership will set new standards for the future of mobility.”
RJ Scaringe, Founder and CEO of Rivian, added:
“RV Tech has gone from strength to strength over the last 12 months and is raising the bar in automotive technology. We’re incredibly excited about the launch of R2 in the first half of next year, which will showcase the advancements the joint venture has made.”
Preparing for Winter Testing
Winter testing of SDV reference vehicles is set to begin in early 2026, with models from Volkswagen, Scout, and Audi undergoing evaluation under extreme cold conditions. The Volkswagen ID.EVERY1 will be among the vehicles tested, marking the first Group model to feature a version of the SDV architecture when it launches in 2027. These tests will validate both hardware and software performance, ensuring robust functionality across all climatic conditions.
RV Tech is also collaborating closely with Volkswagen Group brands on the technical specifications and development of future SSP-based models, ensuring seamless integration of digital vehicle capabilities into series production by the end of the decade.
Building a Global Team for the Future
Over the past year, RV Tech has established itself as a powerful international force in automotive development. Its team of more than 1,500 engineers, working across five countries, is systematically building the foundation for next-generation vehicles that are not only connected and software-driven but also adaptable to the rapidly evolving mobility landscape.
With its first winter tests on the horizon and ambitious SSP-based models in the pipeline, RV Tech is poised to redefine digital driving experiences for Volkswagen, Rivian, and their customers worldwide.
