Are you sitting comfortably?

Volkswagen technical development chief Kai Grünitz says our backsides are a crucial development tool.

- JAMES ATTWOOD

It's the most serious challenge long-established European car makers have faced in decades: a seemingly endless number of ambitious Chinese firms flooding the market with increasingly sophisticated cars.

But Volkswagen's technical chief has a secret weapon that he says is key to beating China's advanced hardware and software technology: the popometer.

"It's what you feel with your behind," explains Kai Grünitz, when he catches me looking somewhat bemused. Yes, we're talking bottoms here, and specifically the ability to detect what a car is doing through one. It's that whole 'seat of your pants' thing. And the most advanced software engineers in the world have yet to learn how to program a butt.

"Ultimately, making cars is all about people," adds Grünitz. "You have to sit in the seat and feel the vehicle, and you can't do that with a simulation, no matter how advanced it is."

Don't mistake Grünitz's belief in the power of the popometer for a luddite rejection of modern technology, though: as Volkswagen's technical development boss since 2022, the German is the brains behind the manufacturer's next wave of electric vehicles, led by the forthcoming ID Polo and ID Cross. Beyond that, he is working on vehicles that will benefit from an advanced new software architecture from the Volkswagen Group's tie-up with US EV startup Rivian.

He is also taking on the Chinese at their own game, spearheading efforts to accelerate Volkswagen's development time: the ID Polo and ID Cross were developed in around 36 months. He insists 'China speed' can be achieved without compromising on the fundamentals.

"That's what will differentiate the good brands from the better brands," says Grünitz, adding that knowledge of these fundamentals - shaped by not only the popometer but also decades of chassis engineering experience - gives Volkswagen an edge over faster Chinese rivals.