Volkswagen is done keeping its Chinese software locked inside China. The automaker said its China Electronic Architecture (CEA), built with local electric vehicle maker Xpeng, will underpin next-generation models bound for South America and South Africa. That marks a sharp break from the brand's old "in China, for China" approach.

Now that same software stack is being lined up for Europe. A report summarized by Reuters says Volkswagen is studying whether the China Electronic Architecture could form the basis for future mass-market cars from its VW, Skoda, and Cupra brands in Europe, with the plan still under discussion inside the group.

As reported by Reuters, Volkswagen plans to integrate China-developed technology into South American product lineups starting in 2030. Volkswagen Group China now uses the China Electronic Architecture in five locally produced all-electric Volkswagen brand models, including the Yuzhong 06 and Yuzhong 07.

Volkswagen Group China laid out the broader package, called VEGA, at a Technology Day event in Hefei. VEGA ties together the China Main Platform, the China Electronic Architecture, and China-developed software and driver-assistance systems into one scalable package for software-defined vehicles across multiple segments.

The China Main Platform targets A-segment battery-electric and plug-in-hybrid models. Volkswagen's stated goal is more than 373 miles of CLTC range and roughly 11 kWh per 62 miles in its most efficient version. Volkswagen says the China-built software could extend further still, with the Europe proposal covering roughly three quarters of the next-generation lineups for VW, Skoda, and Cupra.

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