Volkswagen’s Cariad software division has been a mess for quite a while, and its dysfunction has caused the delay of some highly anticipated vehicle launches, including the Porsche Macan. VW is restructuring the unit in hopes of righting the ship, but the move will come with significant job cuts.
The automaker said it will cut 2,000 jobs over the next two years and, unfortunately, the restructuring also comes with further product delays. All-electric models such as the Porsche Macan and Audi Q6 e-tron could see delays of up to 18 weeks waiting on version 1.2 of the software as part of the process, and the second-generation Cariad software will be completely redeveloped, causing a massive delay from its originally planned 2025 release date. Porsche hasn’t made an announcement on the Macan’s timing, but it has previously said that it would not wait on version 1.2 forever. It also noted that future models would get Google built-in, which brings features like the Play Store, Google Maps, and more.
Assuming VW can get things back on track, the Audi Q6 e-tron will be released in March 2024 instead of late 2023. It, along with the upcoming Porsche Macan EV, marks notable steps forward in electrification for Volkswagen. The new PPE electric platform brings 800-volt architecture, which can drastically reduce charging times.
[Image: T. Schneider via Shutterstock]
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