Volkswagen is entering into a strategic partnership with Mobileye, a technology specialist in automated image processing. The companies signed a letter of intent to this effect at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The central focus of the joint venture is camera-based real-time image processing technology which – in conjunction with highly precise digitalized maps - is the key to autonomous driving.

The goal of the joint venture, exclusively for Europe, will be to effectively manage the digital transformation of the automotive industry and develop intelligent surroundings monitoring technologies. The letter of intent was signed by Amnon Shashua, technical director & CEO of Mobileye and Dr Diess, chairman of the board of management of the Volkswagen brand.

The technology business Mobileye develops optical sensor systems, which will be used in the front cameras of Volkswagen products in the future. These systems recognize – in real time – details of the car's surroundings that are used to continually improve what are known as surroundings maps. Based on a large number of vehicles equipped with this technology highly precise and up-to-date information will be generated. Precise surroundings maps will serve as the foundation for autonomous driving and will further the advanced development of various driver assistance and safety systems.

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