BlackBerry sells its German-based R&D assets to Volkswagen Infotainment
Posted July 3, 2014 10:38 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
WATERLOO, Ont. – BlackBerry (TSX:BB) is selling its research and development department in Germany to Volkswagen Infotainment, a subsidiary of the automaker that makes interactive technology built into vehicle dashboards.
The companies say the deal will shift about 200 BlackBerry employees in Bochum, Germany, to Volkswagen.
The move comes as the Waterloo, Ont.-based smartphone maker pushes ahead with a plan to become profitable by its 2016 financial year.
BlackBerry has centralized most of its vehicle connectivity development at its QNX Software Systems division in Ottawa.
QNX develops technology for cars and trucks, including dashboard systems that connect directly with a driver’s mobile phone and outside networks, but is also working on systems for the health care industry and mining companies.
Volkswagen will assume BlackBerry’s leases for offices at the Bochum University Center and the Design Support Lab.
