Volkswagen core-brand chief Thomas Schaefer is expected to present a proposal to company management on October 27 to use the China Electronic Architecture (CEA), co-developed with Xpeng, in mainstream European models, Germany’s Manager Magazin reported. The architecture could underpin future vehicles from Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra. [7]
The proposed shift would bring technology developed for China into Volkswagen’s core European lineup. The move is being considered primarily to reduce costs, with estimates putting potential Volkswagen Group savings at €4 billion to €5 billion. [7]
The architecture is reportedly under consideration for about 75% of next-generation models across the three brands. [7]
If approved, the plan would change Volkswagen’s strategy of developing separate software technologies for China and Western markets. It could also reduce the role of the company’s partnership with U.S. EV maker Rivian. The proposal would signal the growing influence of Chinese-developed EV technology globally and represent a major endorsement of Xpeng’s platform. [7]