VW Eyes New Mobility Partners—But Not Google or Apple

Volkswagen AG is in “advanced” discussions with several companies about potential partnerships to help the carmaker develop and introduce future mobility technologies and services, CEO Matthias Mueller says.

He says Apple and Google are not on the list and declined to offer further specifics.

Speaking to reporters earlier today at VW’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, Mueller said digitalization and new mobility services have “high earnings” potential. He expects a “substantial” amount of VW’s revenue to be derived by such products by 2025.

As part of the plan, VW is opening three regional “Future Centers.” The first one, located in Potsdam, Germany, is already open. Facilities in Beijing and Silicon Valley are due to launch by year-end.

Mueller says VW is teaming up with the Singularity Partnership in Pala Alto, Calif., to develop new digital technologies. The carmaker also is working with San Francisco-based Pivotal Software Inc. on new software and mobility services.