Latest news with #AutoTech2025
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Automakers face challenges in managing software-defined vehicles at scale
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. NOVI, MICHIGAN — With the auto industry's shift toward building more connected vehicles powered by software continuously updated over-the-air, OEMs are rapidly moving from hardware-centric vehicle development processes to a software-first approach. This pivot also includes the integration of AI and adoption of a cloud-based development environment for software-based vehicles. However, to support this transition, legacy automakers still face challenges in data management and technology integration, according to a recent panel discussion on the topic at the AutoTech 2025 conference in Michigan. The panel, which was moderated by Maite Bezerra, principal analyst for software-defined vehicles at Wards Intelligence, included industry experts from Bosch, Stellantis, Toptal, and the Scalable Open Architecture for Embedded Edge (SOAFEE) industry group, which is working with automakers to expedite development of software-defined vehicles. SOAFEE aims to create an open source vehicle platform using cloud-native architecture that supports multiple hardware configurations. 'SOAFEE is really kind of more about bringing some of the modern software techniques to automotive software development,' said panelist Robert Day, the group's governing body representative. 'Over the last couple or three years, people are actually starting to do their development in the cloud using the tools, technologies and methodologies that are well developed and well used in cloud development.' Although adopting a cloud-based software development approach is a common practice for developers working in the tech space, it's an entirely new field for some legacy automakers. "The problem is the car is not the cloud,' said Day. 'It has things like safety and things like mutual physicality, heterogeneous computing.' The software development challenges for automakers also create the need for OEMs to recruit top talent to integrate the technology into next-generation vehicles, often from outside of the industry. Some companies are providing services to expedite such recruitment. For example, Toptal operates a freelancing platform that connects companies with in-demand software engineers and other technology specialists. 'We have a lot of partners in the automotive space,' said panelist Paul Timmermann, VP of product at Toptal. Stellantis is one of the automakers encountering the challenges of shifting towards SDVs for its future vehicles. "We [automakers] are always hardware first, and now the switch is happening to, you know, software, and then comes the hardware," said panelist Sangeeta Theru, director of virtual validation platforms at Stellantis. 'Tools, processes…everything is changing,' she said. Theru also highlighted the importance of training internal teams at Stellantis, adding that the automaker recently launched "big training on AWS cloud and architecture' for employees. 'There was a lot of effort in upskilling and training internal people,' she said. A major driver of increasing vehicle complexity is automakers launching more advanced driver assist systems and autonomous driving functionality using AI-powered software, according to the panelists. Vehicles with automated driving capabilities, for example, are equipped with dozens of cameras and sensors, generating "many, many terabytes of data" for a single car, scaling to "well beyond petabytes" across large fleets, explained panelist Steven Miller, product management of ADAS and technical expert at Bosch. 'Clearly you're not going to upload all of that data,' he said. 'The other even harder data problem is okay, what's the right data to upload to the cloud?' With rollout of more advanced autonomous driving features, automakers need to be adept at processing and merging extremely large data sets. One of these challenges is processing high volumes of vehicle data in real-time, as well as making it more manageable to transfer to and from the cloud. Automakers must also decide which vehicle data to upload to the cloud to train AI models. Therefore, the panelists emphasized the need for OEMs to create efficient data pipelines to manage this complexity. The panelists also foresee AI being integrated into other vehicle systems, such as remote diagnostics and infotainment. The use of AI will also likely extend to corporate organizational processes. "This is one of the most transformational shifts that we are seeing in the automotive industry," said Bezerra. The panel discussion also delved into automakers' adopting open source software with a higher level of standardization to reduce development times and costs. In November 2024, Panasonic Automotive Systems and Arm announced a collaboration to standardize automotive architecture. The two companies said they recognized the need for the industry to shift from a hardware-centric to a software-first development model to address challenges created by high-cost, vendor-specific proprietary interfaces for vehicles. While the use of open source automotive software has traditionally been met with caution due to safety and liability concerns, an April 2025 report from the Eclipse Foundation found a significant jump in industry appetite to use it for safety-critical vehicle systems. According to the report, 79% of automotive software professionals currently use open source tools and/or in-vehicle software for development, and the number of users actively contributing to open source projects increased by 4% from last year. The big advantage of open source is it provides a standard between companies, explained Day. 'If you're starting to use open standard or open source, it makes that collaboration easier,' he said. Day also highlighted another long-term strategy decision facing OEMs. "What would you choose to open source first? What would you actually keep in-house?" he said. Despite the prospects of adopting open source software for vehicles, the panelists acknowledged that some key areas needed more attention, including cybersecurity. This area is even more critical for automated driving and connected infotainment systems that can be used to pay for goods and services, such as EV charging sessions. Day raised a critical point about security. 'I don't think it's placed enough attention to, and certainly don't think [automakers] spend enough money on it,' he said. According to chipmaker Arm, a modern vehicle can have up to 650 million lines of code, and this number will only increase in the future. But software will revolutionize how drivers interact with their vehicles and redefine the relationship between OEMs and vehicle owners, according to the company. Disclosure: AutoTech2025 is run by Informa, which owns a controlling stake in Informa TechTarget, the publisher behind Automotive Dive. Informa has no influence over Automotive Dive's coverage. Recommended Reading Panasonic Automotive Systems, Arm team up on SDV standardization
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The revival of Scout preserves its heritage through innovation
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. NOVI, Mich. – Reviving a storied American truck brand was a task not taken lightly by Scout Motors. During a presentation at AutoTech 2025 last week, CTO Burkhard Huhnke detailed how the company is using the 'digital twin' design approach to develop and test its fully electric and extended-range EVs. Scout's goal is to preserve the vehicle's heritage through innovation and modern technology. The original Scout SUV was built by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980. Huhnke also confirmed that Scout vehicles will adopt a new zonal electrical architecture which was co-developed by joint venture partners Volkswagen and Rivian. The technique, which is also being used by Rivian, enables over-the-air updates, remote diagnostics and cloud connectivity to enhance customer value. For Rivian vehicles, the new architecture reduces the number of ECUs needed from 17 to seven and eliminates 1.6 miles of wiring from each vehicle, according to the company. 'So what we are using is the most modern electronics architecture, which allows us with the pipeline into the cloud, a real-time access to the car,' said Huhnke. Among the technologies Scout is utilizing includes high-performance computing, simulation technology and software to create a 'digital world' where various interactions — including crash tests — of vehicle designs can be simulated before physical testing in the real world. The automaker's goal is to reduce test hours through simulation to achieve a high level of accuracy before physical prototyping begins. 'You have to optimize your driving dynamics. You have to calibrate your brake system,' said Huhnke. 'You have to do propulsion and dynamics optimization, and that's how everyone does it. After the simulation phase, we run for physical testing.' According to Huhnke, Scout's vehicle development process will begin with the creation of a digital model. That environment also includes a 'digital wind tunnel' to test and optimize the aerodynamics of Scout vehicles. The process includes running various simulations, then using Use AI and machine learning to optimize vehicle designs to improve aerodynamics. Huhnke says this approach can reduce iteration times from 24 hours to just 5 seconds in some cases. 'What you're getting is very quick … an AI response or design variables within seconds,' said Huhnke. 'So you can run through multiple sessions within seconds to use AI and machine learning to optimize aerodynamics quite quickly. The highest accuracy in the digital world gives us the chance to reduce not just test properties, but also the test hours.' Huhnke noted that it's not just vehicle optimization in a digital environment, it's reusing test properties as well. The testing of digital designs by Scout can also be combined with real-world prototype tests to further validate the vehicle's design. The Scout CTO says that this process can help improve the final product. 'So you close the loop with a very comprehensive testing, instrumented version to compare the digital world with the physical world,' said Huhnke. 'And the better you get, the more accuracy you get.' Automaker Porsche has also adopted digital twin technology to design and test electric vehicle batteries. According to the company, the digital representation of a battery functions exactly as one in a production vehicle and provides data that includes its expected aging process. The automaker is also using a 'thermal model,' which can be used to predict how well a battery reacts to changes in temperature to improve the service life and performance. Scout is targeting the outdoor adventure vehicle market that's been revived in part by the return of the Ford Bronco SUV in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus, as well as Rivian's EVs, which will share some technology with Scout vehicles as a result of the EV maker's joint venture with Volkswagen Group. In April, Scout announced the appointment of Oliver Wollinsky as its chief production officer. Wollinsky previously served as plant manager for SAIC Volkswagen in China. In the role, he will oversee the completion and ramp-up of Scout's assembly plant in South Carolina and lead manufacturing of the company's Traveler SUV and Terra truck, with initial production targeted to start in 2027. Fully electric Scout models are anticipated to offer up to 350 miles of range, while extended range versions are projected to offer more than 500 miles of range using a gas-powered generator, according to the company. Disclosure: AutoTech 2025 is run by Informa, which owns a controlling stake in Informa TechTarget, the publisher behind Automotive Dive. Informa has no influence over Automotive Dive's coverage. Recommended Reading Scout Motors breaks ground on $2B EV plant after environmental delays Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Automakers must cope with tariff-fueled business climate in the short-term: analyst
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. NOVI, MICHIGAN — Clarity on tariff policy for automakers may take months, but even that forecast might be overly optimistic, according to Michael Robinet with S&P Global Mobility. For an industry accustomed to having several years to plan out supply chains and global production to manufacture future model vehicles, the chaos created by waves of tariffs implemented by the Trump administration has forced the automotive industry to rethink its planning playbook, Robinet, VP of forecast strategy at S&P Global, said last week during AutoTech 2025. He estimates the auto industry may lose between 12 and 18 months of planning because of the current economic environment. Because of ongoing talks between the U.S. and other major global trading partners, Robinet believes stability could take months before clarity surfaces on future trade policy. 'I think that we're looking towards the end of the year before a lot of this gets buttoned up,' he said. With that in mind, nations along with the global business community are coming to terms that while negotiations could ultimately lead to a compromise, some tariffs will remain, Robinet said. 'There's going to be some level of tariffs, what that is, is still to be determined,' he said. Trump recently announced a 50% tariff, up from 25%, on steel and aluminum. As part of a strategy to mitigate tariffs, automakers have either announced plans to boost domestic production or are exploring that option. While some automakers do have capacity to increase U.S. production, manufacturing more vehicles domestically is no simple process, Robinet said. 'We all know the work that goes in behind that,' he said. 'The upfront investment on body shops, paint shops, final assembly, logistics: This doesn't happen overnight.' But the uncertainty created by tariffs has affected investments by automakers that would have led to job creation and increased North American production. Honda Motor Co. last month said trade policy was among the reasons for scaling back its investments in EV development by $21 billion. Robinet said OEMs are rethinking investments because they are uncertain about future trade and regulatory conditions and don't want to risk losing money. For now, it appears automakers are leaning toward selling vehicles in the countries where they are built as a way to avoid high import duties. He said China and Europe have built moats around their markets, and the U.S. is taking similar steps. 'What does this mean? That means, well, we're just going to source most of the vehicles we want,' Robinet said. 'And from a legislative perspective, we're just going to go our own way. … It's going to be more and more difficult to export vehicles.' Disclosure: AutoTech 2025 is run by Informa, which owns a controlling stake in Informa TechTarget, the publisher behind Automotive Dive. Informa has no influence over Automotive Dive's coverage. Recommended Reading Stellantis scraps plans for Illinois battery plant, parts hub: UAW Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
AutoTech Awards 2025 Shortlist Revealed: Celebrating Innovation and Leadership in Automotive Technology
Winners to be honored at AutoTech 2025 on June 3 in Novi, Michigan NOVI, MI, UNITED STATES, April 29, 2025 / / -- The wait is over: the AutoTech Awards 2025 shortlist has landed, and it's nothing short of electrifying. Recognizing the visionaries, game-changers, and bold breakthroughs shaping the future of mobility, this year's finalists set a new benchmark for innovation across the auto tech landscape. Returning as the must-attend opening event of AutoTech 2025, the AutoTech Awards will take center stage on June 3, 2025, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan. The evening will celebrate innovation, strategic collaboration, and leadership across the automotive technology ecosystem. 🏆 Winners will be announced live on the evening of June 3, in a high-energy ceremony that brings together pioneers from OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, software innovators, and emerging disruptors. Curated by WardsAuto and Wards Intelligence, now part of Omdia, and guided by insight from leading experts and partners, this year's shortlist represents the cutting edge of innovation - celebrating not just tech excellence, but real progress in digital transformation, collaboration, and equity. This is more than recognition - it's a celebration of the people and technologies shaping tomorrow's roads, today. View the full shortlist and learn more at AutoTech Awards 2025 Shortlist: Collaborative Partnership of the Year • COVESA • OLEDWorks & Marelli • Tweddle & INAGO Automotive Tech Company of the Year • Hesai • Qualcomm • Lotlinx Automotive Experience Product or Solution • AiDEN • SoundHound AI • Lenovo Automotive Enabling Product or Solution • Lenovo Vehicle Computing • Sonatus • SDVerse Automotive Rising Star • Sharmishta Roy, Software Engineering Leader, Ford Motor Company • Nandita Mangal, Vehicle Feature Owner, Aptiv • Matt Jones, Executive Director, Ford Motor Company Leadership in Workplace Transformation (In Partnership with Women Automotive Network) • PERSICO GROUP • Martinrea International • LKQ Corporation Automotive Woman of the Year (In Partnership with Women Automotive Network) • Deanna Lorincz, Global Director of Communications, Martinrea International • Kelly Brown, Vice President - Global Prototypes & Pilot Operations, Stellantis • Maria Anhalt , CEO, Elektrobit OEM of the Year (Sponsored by Sonatus) • Toyota • Mazda • BYD Tier 1 Supplier of the Year (Sponsored by T-Mobile for Business) • NVIDIA • Continental • Mahle ABOUT AUTOTECH 2025 Rooted in the heart of the automotive industry and organized by Informa Connect, AutoTech has showcased the broad spectrum of automotive electronics and technology for a quarter century. Focused on connectivity and fostering collaboration, AutoTech introduces practical business strategies that deliver instant benefits and outlines future-ready plans to ensure attendees stay competitive in the market. Freya Smale | Director, Marketing WardsAuto | Informa Connect [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
