Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2026-01-23 12:06Core Insights - Volkswagen Group (China) has acquired key technology packages from Xpeng Motors through intellectual property payments, including the overall electronic and electrical architecture, regional controller hardware design, related underlying software, and cloud implementation [1] - The collaboration between Volkswagen and Xpeng began in 2023, with Volkswagen investing approximately $700 million for a 4.99% stake and agreeing to jointly develop electric vehicles for the Chinese market [1] - The CEA project, initiated in July 2024, aims to create a new generation of electronic and electrical architecture tailored to Chinese market demands, allowing Volkswagen's China team to rapidly absorb technology and iterate independently [1] Company Strategy - The first model utilizing this collaboration, the "Zhizhong 07," was delivered in a short timeframe, benefiting from the CEA1.0 architecture developed within 18 months [1] - The "white box" technology transfer does not include Xpeng's core software for intelligent driving and cockpit applications, which are essential for brand differentiation [1] - Volkswagen's future core new energy vehicle platforms in China will be the CMP (Compact Modular Platform) and CSP (Scalable Platform), with the local electronic and electrical architecture (CEA) being the only enabling technology for these platforms [1] Differentiation Approach - The CEA architecture will allow for differentiated configurations based on various brand models, similar to how different room styles can be achieved through decoration [2] - Both the electronic and electrical architecture and the vehicle's interior and exterior designs can be customized to create brand distinctions, akin to the similarities and differences found in mobile phones [2]