Volkswagen has bought BlackBerry’s European research and development centre in a bid to ramp up research into connected cars.
Volkswagen's latest acquisition shows just how seriously the German carmaker is taking connectivity as a key differentiator in next-generation vehicles.
The Wolfsburg-based manufacturer announced yesterday (July 1st) that it has taken over a research and development centre in Bochum, Germany formerly owned by Canadian smartphone maker BlackBerry.
It will operate the facility through the newly formed Volkswagen Infotainment subsidiary, ramping up research into how the cars of tomorrow will make use of Wi-Fi and mobile networks to provide a more sophisticated driver experience.
According to Volkswagen, it has seen "rapid growth" in this area over the past few years but believes new innovations are needed so that motorists and vehicles are better connected to the wider road infrastructure.
The company's press release explained that while today's cars can communicate with devices like smartphones and MP3 players, tomorrow's vehicles might also send and receive data to and from petrol stations, parking spaces and even other automobiles.
With this technology, Volkswagen reckons it could provide drivers with up-to-the-minute information on hold-ups and obstructions, or direct them to nearby facilities through a readout on an in-car infotainment device.
Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser, a member of Volkswagen's board of management responsible for the carmaker's Development Division, commented on the acquisition: "Many customers are expecting connected vehicles of a new dimension in terms of convenience and road safety.
"Around the globe, our customers' aspirations will change rapidly, leading to shortened cycles of innovation for systems and functions.
"In order to be able to meet these challenges it is necessary for us to broaden and expand our options through additional know-how."
Last month, Volkswagen released sales figures showing it inked some 4.11 million new car deals between January and May 2014 – the first time it has ever passed the four million milestone for the initial five months of the year.