Volkswagen announced on July 22, 2026 that it will expand its cooperation with Horizon Robotics to bring Level 3 autonomous driving functions to Chinese customers by the second half of 2027. The German automaker said deliveries of vehicles equipped with the technology will begin in the latter half of next year, marking a significant push into automated driving in its largest market.
Level 3 systems allow driver-assistance features to take full control in specific scenarios, such as highway driving, freeing motorists from active steering and monitoring duties. The joint venture Carizon will gain access to Horizon Robotics' artificial intelligence model to develop the technology.
The regulatory landscape remains restrictive. Only BAIC and Changan have so far received pilot licenses from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to test Level 3 systems. Competitors Mercedes-Benz and BMW previously offered Level 3 functions but have since suspended those programs.