Rivian expands joint venture with VW to include AI assistant
techcrunch ·
Rivian is expanding its $5.8 billion joint venture with Volkswagen Group to include licensing its AI voice assistant technology. This move marks a significant step in the partnership, which initially focused on sharing electrical architecture and software for next-generation vehicles. The AI assistant, developed over two years, recently rolled out to Rivian's R1S, R1T, and new R2 models. It is expected to debut in Volkswagen’s low-cost ID EVERY1 hatchback, serving as the first VW vehicle to utilize Rivian’s software platform. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe highlighted that their in-house agentic framework allows for advanced interactions and potential integration with third-party AI agents like Anthropic. This expansion supports Rivian’s strategy of vertical integration, enabling rapid over-the-air updates and unified hardware-software control. The collaboration aims to help Volkswagen compete more effectively against rivals like Tesla by offering modern, software-centric electric vehicles.
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