NEW YORK – German automaker Volkswagen and US electric vehicle maker Rivian said on Tuesday that they aim to start selling cars equipped with technology developed from their joint venture by 2026.

The collaboration, which focuses on automotive software and the “electronic architecture” of vehicles, is based on Volkswagen’s investment of up to $5.8 billion in Rivian by 2027.

“The partnership with Rivian is the next logical step in our software strategy,” Volkswagen Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Oliver Blume said in a statement. he said. “With its implementation, we will strengthen our global competitive and technological position.”

According to the statement, the new Rivian model R2 is planned to be launched in the first half of 2026, and the first Volkswagen models carrying technology from the joint venture are expected to be released in 2027.

Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe said the joint venture “marks a significant step forward in helping the world transition to electric vehicles.”

The collaboration aims to “reduce development costs and scale new technologies more quickly,” the news release said.