VW ID. Golf could become the first VW with Rivian technology

Interesting move at VW: Given the market proximity and content of the new software cooperation, one might have expected it to first be used in "Scout" or on the Trinity platform. The 50:50 joint venture is officially called “Rivian and VW Group Technology LLC”. It is led by Wassym Bensaid (from Rivian) and Carsten Helbing (from the Volkswagen Group). Volkswagen aims to catch up on its software backlog outside China this way.

Based on Rivian's existing software and electric architecture (original: “E/E architecture & vehicle software”), a developed technology platform for software-defined vehicles is to be created. The partners now estimate the total volume of the deal at up to 5.8 billion US dollars (currently around 5.5 billion euros). The problem with this: since Rivian is in financial difficulties, the Volkswagen Group must bear these costs alone. By 2027, the first group models with the new base should be on the market.

The Golf remains at the center of VW's European universe

But neither Scout nor Trinity models will be the first to receive the new architecture because: In Europe, the Golf is still one of Volkswagen's major pillars, so it could be the first to receive the new platform. Because brand chief Thomas Schäfer reportedly said to “Automotive News”:

“We have decided how we want to realize the software-defined vehicle. This will happen with Rivian, the joint venture where we are putting together the new electronic architecture. But we have also decided that we want to start this journey with a rather iconic product. So we will start with the Golf.”

Before the Golf, other models are likely to use the platform

However, even before the Golf, models from Audi and Porsche are expected to receive the new software platform. Which ones exactly remains unclear.

Schäfer's statements also provide further clues about the other models of both brands: For Rivian, the launch of the smaller volume model R2 on many export markets is crucial for survival by the first half of 2026.

The first Volkswagen Group models based on the jointly developed architecture are expected to follow in 2027, while Rivian recently mentioned the "inclusion of selected MEB models from Volkswagen" beyond its use in Volkswagen's SSP and PPE platforms. Indeed, the "smaller" Rivian models could be implemented more quickly and cost-effectively this way.

And then Scout comes into play after all, as "Manager Magazin" reports that the rollout of Volkswagen Group models could start with the US brand Scout and a Porsche SUV.