WOLFSBURG — Volkswagen Group (ETR: VOW3), a global leader in automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturing, has announced its bold foray into the future of mobility through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its digital products. In a press release today, the company revealed its strategic initiative aimed at harnessing AI to enhance infotainment, navigation systems, speech recognition, and digital ecosystem integration within its vehicles, according to a press release published on EuropaWire.

The cornerstone of this endeavor is the establishment of the specialized “AI Lab,” poised to serve as a hub for innovation and excellence in the AI sector. This dedicated facility will drive the development of cutting-edge AI-driven prototypes, with a keen focus on collaboration with technology firms across Europe, China, and North America.

Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group and Porsche AG, underscored the significance of this initiative, stating, “We want to offer our customers genuine added value with artificial intelligence. We aim to link external digital ecosystems with the vehicle, creating an even better product experience.”

The AI Lab is envisioned as a catalyst for fostering collaborations and generating novel product concepts worldwide. Michael Steiner, Head of Research and Development at Volkswagen Group, emphasized the lab’s agility, noting, “With our new ‘AI Lab’, we are combining technological expertise, flexibility and speed in collaboration with external partners.”

Key areas of focus for AI-driven innovations include high-performance speech recognition, seamless connectivity between users’ digital environments and vehicles, and enhanced vehicle functionalities such as AI-optimized charging strategies for electric vehicles and predictive maintenance.

The leadership team of the AI Lab, headed by Carsten Helbing as CEO and Carmen Schmidt as CLO & CBO, comprises accomplished experts in artificial intelligence. The Supervisory Board, featuring representatives from Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche brands, will ensure strategic oversight and expedited decision-making.

Volkswagen’s AI Lab marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to delivering groundbreaking AI-powered products and services, reaffirming its position at the forefront of innovation in the automotive industry.