Bosch and Volkswagen are joining forces to transition automated driving from a specialized feature to a widely accessible technology, with plans to launch a commercially viable system by mid-2026. Mathias Pillin, Chief Technology Officer of Bosch’s Automotive division, announced the ambition to make automated driving available to a broad range of drivers, spanning both volume and premium vehicle segments.
Peter Bosch, head of Volkswagen’s central software unit Cariad, emphasized the importance of scale in achieving affordability. “We are not developing a niche product. Thanks to VW’s high production volumes, we can offer the technology at a price point that makes it accessible to many while also ensuring profitability” he stated.
Bosch intends to extend the availability of this new automated driving technology to other automotive manufacturers beyond Volkswagen. According to Bosch’s Pillin, interest from automakers in Asia, Europe and North America is substantial. Prototypes utilizing the software have reportedly received positive feedback during testing.
Both companies highlight that the autopilot software is a fully independent development, built without reliance on partnerships with US-based technology companies. VW’s Bosch asserted that this represents a key achievement for the European automotive industry, demonstrating its proficiency in crucial technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automated driving.
Initial deployment of the autopilot system, driven by regulatory constraints, will be limited to highway driving. The system is designed to allow drivers to relinquish control of the vehicle for extended periods, though they will remain responsible for being able to resume control when necessary. Bosch and Volkswagen express hope that future regulatory changes will permit expanded use on rural roads and within city environments, a possibility currently restricted under German law.
