The VW Vivo Xpress is back and built locally
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is re-entering the growing urban delivery market with the launch of the Vivo Xpress which will be available for sale from February 2026.
- Product News
- 9 February 2026
Over thirty firms from across the automotive supply chain have joined forces to advance open-source software development, aiming to create next-generation vehicles while driving down costs, Germany’s leading industry association announced recently.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) unveiled the expanded collaboration at the CES technology showcase in Las Vegas. The initiative reflects a growing trend among manufacturers and suppliers to harness artificial intelligence and software solutions as a means of revitalising an industry burdened by slow progress and escalating expenses.
New participants include European automotive group Stellantis, commercial vehicle producer Traton, German engineering specialist Schaeffler, and semiconductor giants Infineon and Qualcomm. They join established names such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, increasing the number of signatories from 11 last year to 32.
According to the VDA, the project is designed to cut development and maintenance efforts by up to 40 per cent and accelerate time-to-market by as much as 30 per cent.
Mike Milinkovich, Executive Director of the Eclipse Foundation, which co-organises the initiative, commented: “The growing engagement in this effort underscores a global shift towards open innovation within the automotive sector.”
There is a profound realignment in consumer expectations, brand positioning and technological priorities, with Germany losing long held advantages in its domestic market while China rapidly moves up the value chain.
Over the past weekend, reports surfaced of a letter sent by Martina Biene, chairperson and managing director of Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA), to President Cyril Ramaphosa warning of the increasingly precarious position of South Africa’s automotive sector.
On 20 February 2026, at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Australia, the new WorldSBK season roars to life, promising one of the most dynamic championships in recent memory.