Volkswagen and Rivian: a stalled partnership

The announcement in November 2024 of a $5.8 billion investment by Volkswagen in Rivian had generated great expectations.

The alliance between the venerable German brand and the promising American start-up seemed to promise a revolution in the world of electric automobiles. But a year later, results are still pending.

The collaboration between the two companies aimed to develop a shared software platform for electric vehicles. However, software integration issues with Rivian in Volkswagen vehicles caused significant delays. flagship models such as the Audi Q8 e-tron and the Porsche K1 SUV have had their launches postponed, some until 2028.

Faced with these difficulties, Volkswagen reoriented its Cariad division, initially responsible for internal software development, to become a coordinator of external technologies, including those from Rivian and the Chinese Xpeng.

Promises that are slow to materialize.

This decision raises questions about Cariad’s ability to effectively serve as an integrator. Meanwhile, Rivian faces its own challenges. Its production decreased in the third quarter of 2025, and its delivery forecasts for 2025 have been revised downward. Although the company has begun building a new factory in Georgia, its future remains uncertain.

European consumers, for their part, are eagerly awaiting affordable models like the ID.2, announced at €25,000, which should benefit from technologies developed in collaboration with Rivian.

You might be interestedin this article:

Electric Car

• 07/10/2025 22:20

Model Y / Model 3 Standard: Tesla Has Discontinued the Rear-Wheel Drive Versions

In short, the alliance between Volkswagen and Rivian, which was to be a model of transatlantic collaboration, now appears to be an example of thwarted synergy. Ambitions are still present, but results are slow to follow. For now, the promised innovations remain just promises.

ALSO READ: Storm warning on Rivian’s European horizon