Ta korak nemškega Volkswagna je sicer logičen glede na sposobnosti razvoja in kapacitete za proizvodnjo čipov za umetno inteligenco na Kitajskem (ki jih v Evropi ni), kljub vsemu pa zveni kot ironija glede na visokoleteče trditve Evropske komisije o strateški avtonomiji na tem področju in nedavno napovedana vlaganja v to področje ter glede na zadnja dogajanja glede nizozemske Nexperie. To seveda pomeni, da bo Volkswagen trajno (vsaj za desetletje ali več) strateško odvisen od uvoza teh čipov iz Kitajske. Vrašanje pa je seveda, če bo sedanji Volkswagen sploh preživel oziroma v čigavi lasti bo čez 5 let. Definitivno pa EU zaradi tega ne bo mela dobrih kart, če bi se hotela igrati trgovinsko vojno s Kitajsko.

In the race to develop autonomous driving technology, German automotive giant Volkswagen is taking a significant step by developing its own artificial intelligence (AI) chips in China, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

“By designing and developing the System-on-Chip here in China, we are taking control of a key technology that will define the future of intelligent driving,” chief executive Oliver Blume said on Wednesday at the opening of China’s International Import Expo (CIIE) in the Chinese city of Shanghai.

Carizon, a joint venture between Volkswagen’s software subsidiary Cariad and Chinese autonomous driving computing specialist Horizon Robotics, is tasked with developing the chip that processes data from cameras and sensors for driving.

Volkswagen expects delivery within the next three to five years.

For the first time, Carizon is not only developing software for automated driving but also an AI chip, said Cariad board member Peter Bosch.

Blume explained that the Volkswagen Group’s strategy is encapsulated in a five-year plan. The mission is to become a leader in automotive technology, according to Blume.

The announcement from the carmaker based in the northern German city of Wolfsburg comes amid a chip crisis triggered by the dispute over the company Nexperia.

The Dutch company primarily produces standard chips used in large quantities in the automotive industry. However, China’s export stoppages of Nexperia chips and concerns over potential supply disruptions are affecting European manufacturers, highlighting their dependence on these high-tech products.

Vir: New Straits Times