- More than 850 suppliers attend IZB 2026.
- Five Group Hubs set up at the fair.
- 365 solutions submitted to Call for Proposals.
- New partnership with NXP Semiconductors announced.
- German-Chinese Automotive Congress follows on 30 October.
More than 850 suppliers and technology companies are taking part in the 2026 International Suppliers Fair (IZB) in Wolfsburg, where the Volkswagen Group is using the event to tie its Technical Development and Procurement divisions more closely to its supplier network. Both teams are discussing future technologies, industrial applications and how new ideas can reach competitive series production sooner.
Volkswagen Group development and sourcing approach
The Group does not follow a single model for engineering. Depending on a technology and its strategic relevance, it builds on its own capabilities, develops solutions with partners or draws on established external expertise. The aim is to make technology and sourcing decisions early, speed up development and scale successful solutions across its brands.
Engineers and buyers now work together from the early stages, when product concepts are still being shaped. They assess technologies, decide on the most effective way to develop and source them, and agree on implementation. Combining engineering and commercial views at this point can avoid extra costs later and leave more room for features customers value.
“Our transformation is about becoming faster, less complex and more competitive,” said Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group, adding that strong partnerships are an important part of the plan.
Group Hubs and supplier proposals at IZB
At the fair, five Group Hubs put the approach into practice. For each one, the carmaker identified specific challenges and future technology areas, then invited suppliers, technology companies and start-ups to submit projects. The Call for Proposals drew 365 solutions and projects.
Engineers and procurement experts use the Hubs to explore applications and routes to industrialisation with the participating firms. Kai Grünitz, the Volkswagen Brand board member responsible for Technical Development, said the areas range “from circular materials and the future cockpit to software and AI”. Karsten Schnake, responsible for Procurement, noted growing interest from technology companies at the event.
NXP partnership and German-Chinese congress
A new partnership with NXP Semiconductors, announced at IZB, is one concrete example of the targeted collaborations the Group is pursuing.
Talks with international partners continue after the fair. The German-Chinese Automotive Congress takes place at Autostadt on 30 October, with Volkswagen Group providing the setting. It will bring together the Group, politicians, suppliers and Chinese companies to discuss innovation, competitiveness and opportunities in the automotive industry.
Supplied by Newspress UK (Volkswagen Group)
This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.
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