Volkswagen's $5B Rivian tie-up prompts dismay at software division
ft.com
ft.com
German manufacturers did sleep on software. 4 years isn't enough time to build a foundation here, if you need to bring in suppliers as well.
The ambition to outsource the problem is again typical. I don't know how the budget was calculated, I don't know why the software branch is that large either.
That software issues delay new models for several years is of a severe management failure. This probably could have been solved differently.
But before a solid foundation for software is even implemented, management probably already worked out it monetization and had a separate business plan for software alone instead of a good product as a whole - a car that can compete with others.
These are self-made management failures and this joint venture seems a bit desperate.
Also, I doubt that any customer ever asked for an "automotive cloud".
CARIAD in itself is a network of multiple companies: CARIAD holds stakes in more than 10 automotive technology companies, such as VAIVA or Volkswagen Infotainment that are focusing on different digitization aspects of cars. The network is moved by one purpose: Transforming Volkswagen Group to become a truly digital and software-enabled mobility provider.