According to a media report, Volkswagen plans to acquire Huawei's autonomous driving technology development division.
Volkswagen is negotiating with the Chinese electronics group Huawei about the purchase of its autonomous driving department. This is reported by "Manager Magazin". According to the report, both companies have been in contact regarding this for several months. A purchase price in the three-digit million range is expected for the takeover of the division, which employs around 700 people in China.
Huawei is best known as a manufacturer of smartphones. The brand name has recently become known primarily through sanctions. In many countries, the group was locked out of the expansion of 5G mobile networks because Western governments have security concerns about Huawei's proximity to the state leadership in China. Huawei has also been active in the automotive sector for some time. The Seres SF5 electric SUV was launched in China as a Huawei car and is sold there in its own stores.
With the takeover, Volkswagen is hoping to accelerate the development of technologies for autonomous driving. The group also sees the possibility that the corresponding basics in the road traffic regulations, which allow robot cars, will be implemented faster in China than in other markets. With the know-how on site, one should expect a pioneering role.
Conclusion
Volkswagen is looking for outside expertise for the development of technologies for autonomous driving. According to a media report, the group plans to take over a development department of the Chinese company Huawei.
