In a move that signals the next wave of connected cars, HCLTech has teamed up with Volkswagen Group’s e.solutions to build AI‑powered infotainment and connectivity platforms on Android Automotive.

The multi‑year agreement, announced on 18 June 2026, positions HCLTech as the development, integration and validation partner for e.solutions’ next‑generation vehicle software. The partnership aims to meet the growing demand for connected, digital in‑vehicle experiences by delivering production‑grade human‑machine interface (HMI) software across several vehicle programmes.

“We’re combining AI‑driven engineering with a deep understanding of the automotive sector to accelerate the creation of world‑class infotainment platforms,” said Pankaj Tagra, HCLTech’s Mobility chief growth officer and global head. Tagra added that the collaboration demonstrates HCLTech’s long‑term commitment to the automotive ecosystem and its capacity to support complex engineering programmes at scale across international markets.

e.solutions, headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany, specialises in software for automotive infotainment and communication systems. The company designs software frameworks, applications, and graphical user interfaces, and integrates them with modules from its global partner network. It also performs system‑software analysis and integration for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers working on software‑defined vehicles.

“Partnering with HCLTech allows us to scale HMI software development across diverse vehicle programmes while maintaining high standards of quality, consistency and user experience,” said Uwe Reder, CEO of e.solutions. Reder concluded that the collaboration is building the foundation for the next generation of software‑defined mobility.

The deal follows earlier moves in Volkswagen Group’s software strategy. Earlier this year, Volkswagen and Qualcomm Technologies signed a letter of intent for a long‑term supply agreement that would provide advanced infotainment and connectivity capabilities powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions. Under that agreement, Qualcomm would serve as Volkswagen Group’s primary technology provider for the launch of its zonal software‑defined vehicle (SDV) architecture, being developed for the Western hemisphere through Volkswagen’s joint venture with Rivian Automotive.

Android Automotive, the open‑source operating system that underpins the platforms HCLTech will help develop, is designed for vehicle dashboards and supports core functions such as messaging, navigation and vehicle‑specific controls. By leveraging Android Automotive, the partnership aims to create a flexible, AI‑enabled user experience that can be deployed across different hardware platforms and global markets.

The collaboration reflects a broader trend of automotive manufacturers outsourcing software development to specialised technology firms. HCLTech, with offices in 60 countries and over 220,000 employees, has a long history of working with automotive OEMs and suppliers. e.solutions, as part of the Volkswagen Group, brings deep expertise in infotainment and connectivity across the Group’s passenger‑vehicle brands.

At present, the partnership focuses on software development and integration. No specific vehicle models or launch dates have been announced. The agreement is expected to strengthen the supply chain for infotainment and connectivity solutions and to support the rollout of AI‑driven features in future Volkswagen Group vehicles.

In summary, HCLTech and e.solutions have agreed to collaborate on the creation of AI‑enabled infotainment and connectivity platforms built on Android Automotive. The partnership is designed to meet the growing demand for connected in‑vehicle experiences, to scale HMI software development, and to support deployment across diverse hardware platforms and markets. The collaboration follows Volkswagen Group’s recent engagement with Qualcomm for Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions and fits within the Group’s broader strategy of software‑defined mobility.