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Volkswagen Commits €1 Billion to AI by 2030 to Drive Efficiency and Savings

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Volkswagen announced on Tuesday that it will invest up to €1 billion ($1.2 billion) in artificial intelligence by 2030, aiming to integrate the technology across all areas of its operations. The strategy, revealed at the IAA car show in Munich, is part of the automaker’s effort to remain competitive against rising Chinese rivals and to modernize its electric vehicle lineup.

The German carmaker expects AI-driven initiatives to deliver up to €4 billion in savings by 2035. Investments will focus on:

  • AI-supported vehicle development to shorten model design cycles.

  • Industrial applications to streamline manufacturing.

  • High-performance IT infrastructure to support digital transformation.

“For us, AI is the key to greater speed, quality and competitiveness — along the entire value chain, from vehicle development to production,” said Hauke Stars, Volkswagen’s chief IT officer.

Volkswagen is undergoing deep restructuring in its two main markets, Germany and China, as it prepares new electric models and implements cost-cutting programs at home. On Sunday, the company presented its ID.CROSS, a new small electric SUV concept aimed at making EVs more affordable.

The company sees AI as a catalyst for faster innovation and efficiency, positioning itself to better compete in the evolving automotive landscape.

Chinese Robotics Startup Unitree Targets $7B IPO Valuation Amid Tech Push

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Chinese humanoid robotics firm Unitree Robotics is preparing for a landmark IPO on Shanghai’s STAR Market, seeking a valuation of up to 50 billion yuan ($7 billion), according to sources. The company, founded in 2016 by Wang Xingxing, has gained global attention with viral videos of robots walking, climbing, and carrying loads.

Unitree confirmed last week that IPO preparations are underway, with a formal application expected in Q4, though it disputed reports on the exact valuation. If successful, this would be one of China’s largest onshore tech listings in years, underscoring Beijing’s drive to fund domestic “unicorns” and bolster self-sufficiency in robotics and AI.

The potential listing comes after a funding round in June that included investments from Alibaba, Tencent, and Geely, boosting Unitree’s valuation to 12 billion yuan. Sources say the company is already profitable, with annual revenue above 1 billion yuan, and poised for rapid growth.

Unitree’s IPO plans coincide with China’s heavy investment in robotics and AI to counter U.S. tech rivalry and address an aging population. The humanoid robot industry enjoys strong government subsidies and policy support, making Unitree a likely beneficiary.

The company’s targeted valuation would mark a sharp jump from its last funding round, testing investor appetite for humanoid robotics — a field where China is positioning itself as a global leader.

Salesforce Shares Slide as Weak Outlook Highlights Delayed AI Payoff

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Salesforce (CRM.N) shares fell nearly 8% on Thursday after the company issued a disappointing third-quarter revenue forecast, raising investor concerns that returns from its artificial intelligence investments may take longer to materialize.

The company projected revenue between $10.24 billion and $10.29 billion, with the midpoint falling short of analysts’ average estimate of $10.29 billion, according to LSEG data. Despite announcing a $20 billion expansion of its share buyback program, Salesforce’s muted guidance weighed heavily on investor sentiment.

The outlook comes as software companies face mounting pressure to prove that billion-dollar AI investments will deliver meaningful returns, even as customers scale back spending in an uncertain economic environment. Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said the guidance gives “bears fresh ammo amid mounting fears that the software sector is ripe for disruption.”

Salesforce has been rapidly integrating AI across its cloud services, including the 2024 launch of Agentforce, an AI-powered agent platform designed to automate workflows and improve margins. However, the company continues to face macroeconomic headwinds. Analysts at Oppenheimer described the growth outlook as “uninspiring,” noting challenges for front-office software suppliers this year.

Shares of Salesforce are down about 24% year-to-date. To strengthen its offerings, the company has returned to acquisitions, including its $8 billion purchase of Informatica in May. Still, Salesforce trades at a forward earnings multiple of 20.96—well below Microsoft’s 31.26 and Oracle’s 30.84—suggesting potential upside.

J.P. Morgan analysts said second-quarter results, which beat revenue expectations, alongside management’s positive commentary, indicate that Salesforce stock may be undervalued compared to peers, leaving room for recovery.