Audi to Integrate CARIAD's Newly Unveiled app Store Into Various Models

Software company CARIAD has launched a new application store in cars of the Volkswagen Group brands. Audi is the first VW brand to integrate the store in selected models as of July 2023.

In addition to exclusive apps from Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen and other brands, the store will give customers in-car access to content provided by third parties, such as Spotify.

CARIAD is working with HARMAN, a Samsung company, to create an open ecosystem for apps that drivers can use in their cars’ infotainment systems.

They have already secured numerous partners for the application store. 

Audi will equip the Audi A4, A5, Q5, A6, A7, A8, Q8 e-tron and e-tron GT in Europe, US, Canada, Mexico and overseas markets with the new store.

Later it will be rolled out to further models and regions as well as to other Volkswagen Group brands. 

CARIAD is also working on driver assistance systems, a standardised infotainment platform, and a new digital ecosystem centered around the car. 

Oliver Hoffmann, CTO of Audi., says: "Audi is the first brand in the Volkswagen Group to introduce the Group Application Store in its vehicles. We will offer our customers a new level of digital in-car experience, seamlessly connecting their Audi to their digital life. As our Group-wide software supplier, CARIAD has provided a scalable solution with the Group Application Store, which we at Audi have adapted specifically for our products. This ability as a team to scale software solutions across different market segments represents an important milestone on our roadmap.” 

“Our new store for digital apps is the first major milestone in CARIAD’s year of delivery. It is the result of a great collaboration between Audi, CARIAD and HARMAN,” adds CARIAD CEO, Dirk Hilgenberg. “We will take the in-car experience to the next level – by integrating the digital world of the Volkswagen Group’s customers seamlessly into the car. Our Group application store already allows a first glimpse on a completely new infotainment stack: The store will be part of the ‘One.Infotainment’ system in the premium software for the next generation of Porsche and Audi models.”

CARIAD is an independent automotive software company in the Volkswagen Group that is consolidating and further expanding the Group's software competencies.