German Automotive DNA.
Silicon Valley Spirit.
We are Silicon Valley pioneers guiding world-class brands.
German engineering meets entrepreneurial drive.
We are a team of engineers, designers, scientists, psychologists, and more. We blend our craftsmanship with bold new ideas, bridging the gap between Silicon Valley technology and the automotive industry. When the Volkswagen Group embraces the Silicon Valley spirit, the future gets here a lot faster.
2023 – ChatGPT Will Become Integrated into Next Generation of VW Vehicles
During CES, Volkswagen presented the first vehicles in which artificial-intelligence-based ChatGPT will be integrated into its IDA voice assistant. The integration of this AI will be available in the next generation of VW vehicles. The concept was created here at the IECC, with the ECC teams collaborating with VW colleagues and suppliers on this seamless integration.
2023 – 25th Anniversary Event
Inspiring the Future – Celebrated 25 years of automotive excellence in the heart of Silicon Valley.
2022 – Shifting Vehicle Functions to the Cloud
First of its kind demonstration of an autonomous vehicle driving closed loop from the cloud, with vision and planning models running in the cloud and motion control in the vehicle.
2021 – C-V2X Deployment Demonstration
Completion of cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) deployment designed to alert drivers to nearby school buses and lay the groundwork for integrating the communications technology into future Audi vehicles.
2020 – Debut of ID.4
Executed integration and testing of infotainment and online services for VW’s first all-electric SUV – ID.4. Long-distance driver Rainer Zietlow and photographer Derek Collins drove the ID.4 on a three month road show through the United States, setting a record for the longest journey by an EV in a single country.
2019 – Porsche Taycan and Apple Music
Pioneered the integration of Apple Music into the Porsche Taycan creating the first fully integrated music streaming experience as part of the new all-electric sports car.
2018 – Type 20
A technical showcase concept that combines Volkswagen heritage and futuristic technology. Built from a 1962 Type 2 11-window Microbus, the Type 20 was converted to electric power to showcase a variety of experimental elements, both as tactile objects and interactive electronics.
2018 – Inclusive Mobility
Launched the Inclusive Mobility program to help design vehicles and services that improve transportation and the quality of life for everyone, especially people with disabilities. Directly engaged disability groups in the early stages of designing vehicle technologies and mobility services.
2017 – Alexa Meets Volkswagen
Led the development of the first Alexa integration in Volkswagen vehicles. The Volkswagen skill is a conversation designed to help people plan their errands, provide helpful reminders, and make sure their vehicle is ready to go.
2016 – Filld for Bentley
Partnership with Filld to eliminate the inconvenience of customers refueling cars themselves. Customers open the Filld for Bentley app, choose a delivery time, and their fuel is delivered wherever they are.
2015 – Sonoma Raceway Event
Showcased our exciting piloted driving capabilities to media and legislators over six days that included performance drives and demonstrations.
2015 – Volkswagen Cam-Connect
Partnered with GoPro® to let drivers control their Hero4 cameras directly from the Volkswagen MirrorLink interface.
2015 – San Francisco to Las Vegas Drive
World debut of the piloted driving Audi A7 model, which drove from San Francisco to CES in Las Vegas with a crew of journalists taking turns behind the wheel.
2014 – Hockenheimring
Unleashed the sporty driverless Audi RS7 at race speeds around the Hockenheimring in Germany.
2014 – Sound Journey
Designed and developed a one-of-a-kind Volkswagen MirrorLink application that dynamically generates a soundtrack for your trip by using driving data in realtime.
2013 – iBeetle and Beetle App
Created a unique experience for the 2014 iBeetle which features functions such as Spotify control, extended on-board instrumentation, drive trainer, and sending digital postcards from your location.
2012 – ERL and Italdesign Geneva Show Car
Teamed up with Italdesign to combine cutting-edge vehicle styling with a state-of-the-art user experience. The result was Brivido, a one-of-a-kind vision of the future.
2011 – Belmont Center Opening
Celebrated moving into our new facility with an opening Tech Day event that showcased our diverse and innovative approaches to the future of mobility.
2010 – VAIL Audi TTS
Developed, in collaboration with Stanford University, an Audi TTS that successfully drove non-stop up the 12.4 Pike’s Peak Highway in Colorado autonomously.
2010 – Google Navigation
Launched the industry-first vehicle implementation of Google Earth on Audi’s third-generation Multi Media Interface (MMI).
2009 – VAIL Opening at Stanford
Supported the creation of the Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Laboratory (VAIL) located on the Stanford campus with an initial investment of $5.75 million.
2009 – AIDA Friendly Driving Companion
In collaboration with MIT, the AIDA project (Affective, Intelligent Driving Agent) is a platform comprising of a personal robot and an intelligent navigation system that aims to create an innovative driving experience.
2008 – iPod Integration
Developed in-car connectivity for the iPod in collaboration with Apple.
2007 – DARPA Urban Challenge
Collaborated with Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab to create an advanced vehicle with state-of-the-art sensor technologies and robot decision-making in an urban environment.
2005 – DARPA Challenge Winner
Established our leadership with driverless technology by winning a 175-mile course in desert terrain with no human guidance, no driver and no remote control.
1998 – ERL Begins Operations in Silicon Valley
Founded in August 1998, the ERL began operations in October of that year with three employees.