VW Acquires Stake in Developer of Automated Driving Software

The Volkswagen Group recently acquired a minority stake in the FDTech GmbH, a German startup that is based in Chemnitz. The technology development company was setup last year and specializes in the development of algorithms for systems related to automated and autonomous driving. It currently has a workforce of 30 experts.

Friedrich Eichler, Head of Chassis Development of the Volkswagen brand, said that the company is aggressively pursuing the integration of highly automated driving in the next generation of Volkswagen cars. Through the acquisition of the stake in FDTech, Volkswagen will gain access to more expertise. He said that FDTech exemplifies the innovative power of German small and medium-sized companies. Volkswagen will focus on combining this capacity for innovation with the company’s own performance capabilities as a global mobility company.”

Commenting on the deal, Karsten Schulze, MD, FDTech said that the company’s mission is to make automated, networked mobility available to everyone. The infusion of funds from Volkswagen will help FDTech to achieve its ambitious growth plans. He said that FDTech is a young and dynamic company with staff having over 20 years of experience in the field of driver assistance and automated driving. The company has a stated aim of becoming one of the driving forces in automated driving in the technology region of Saxony.

While FDTech deals primarily with the development of algorithms for automated driving, the practicality of series production is the main concern. Hence, FDTech is all set to emerge as a key player the extension of current mobility and the reshaping of future mobility.