It was just a few years ago when Ford and Rivian planned on partnering together to produce an EV riding on the latter’s platform, but ultimately, that deal fell apart, largely because Ford opted to develop its own architecture, coupled with the fact that it’s difficult to merge software together for such applications. Regardless, that didn’t stop Volkswagen and Rivian from signing a joint venture recently that will result in the sharing of technology between those two companies. Now, it seems as if Rivian is in talks with other automakers that may want to utilize its tech, too.
According to Reuters, the joint venture between Rivian and VW is already talking to other OEMS about potentially sharing its electrical architecture and software, providing those automakers with quick and easy access to things that many have struggled to develop on their own in recent years. “I’d say that many other OEMs are knocking on our door,” said Rivian Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid. “There is demand. Obviously other OEMs are talking to us and we’re trying to figure out how to support that in the future. Any other OEM who wants to make a leap from a technology standpoint, the joint venture today becomes one of the key partners with whom they can make that collaboration.”
Bensaid did note that the priority remains integrating this technology into future VW models, as well as ensuring that the all-new Rivian R2 mid-size crossover is ready to launch by 2027. However, while he stopped short of naming which automakers are interested in the joint-venture’s tech, such a move could prove lucrative given the need for this type of software and architecture in the industry at the moment.
In addition to this type of technology, Rivian is also currently developing its own hands-free driver assistance system that’s set to debut this year, which would rival Ford’s BlueCruise. At the moment, Rivian vehicles are equipped with what’s known as the Rivian Autonomy Platform, which provides some layers of driver assistance, but still requires them to maintain control of the vehicle and provide continuous attention when it’s activated.
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