VW's software unit partners with Vivo

Volkswagen Group's software subsidiary CARIAD said on Friday it has built a lab with Chinese smartphone maker Vivo, as part of their long-term collaboration in connectivity between smartphones and smart cars.

The goal is "to create a seamless and smooth digital mobility experience for consumers," said CARIAD China in a statement.

Based on CARIAD China's R&D center, which is called Forward! Lab, the collaboration focuses on intelligent connected vehicle-related software and hardware, telematics service platforms and smart mobility.

CARIAD China is the software company's first subsidiary outside of Europe, which aims to provide the Volkswagen Group with localized software products and digital services tailored for the Chinese market, where the car buyers have a higher demand for cutting-edge onboard experiences.

Sun Wei, CTO of CARIAD China, said the partnership with Vivo will help the company further enhance its independent R&D capabilities in the field of smart connectivity, better integrate its own innovations into the Chinese local digital ecosystem.

Vivo's in-car system has covered 160 million smartphone users, said Zhou Wei, the phone maker's vice-president.

"We firmly believe that 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' Vivo is committed to contributing to the progress and development of the entire industry with an open and collaborative ecological mindset," said Zhou.