The acquisition has been made through the newly founded Volkswagen Infotainment GmbH, with the Wolfsburg-based carmaker stressing that the field of “connectivity” forms a focal point of research and development within the group, adding that new strategies and innovations are needed.

Dr Heinz-Jakob Neußer, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for the Development Division, said: ‘Connectivity will be a key feature of the car of the future. Many customers are expecting connected vehicles of a new dimension in terms of convenience and road safety. Around the globe, our customers' aspirations will change rapidly, leading to shortened cycles of innovation for systems and functions. In order to be able to meet these challenges it is necessary for us to broaden and expand our options through additional know-how.’