Software Defined Vehicles
Interview with Karsten Dieckmann, Sumitomo
“Greening the supply chain is no longer optional but essential”
Zonal architectures and digitalised designs are reshaping automotive wiring systems. In this interview, Karsten Dieckmann from Sumitomo explains how the company is driving automation, sustainability, and scalable E/E integration for tomorrow’s mobility.
Karsten Dieckmann is General Manager Design and Development Electronics Division at Sumitomo SEWS Components and Electronics Europe. Before joining the company in 2016, he spent nearly 18 years at Forvia Hella in various leadership roles, from optical design engineering to heading electronic and lighting development. With this extensive background in electronics and automotive systems, he now drives Sumitomo’s strategy for advanced E/E architectures and automation.
ADT: We are in the midst of a dynamic and disruptive decade for the automotive industry. From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges the wire harness sector will face over the next five years?
Dieckmann: The first major challenge will be accelerating digital integration in OEM–Tier-1 collaboration. A comprehensive transformation is imperative to align with and support OEM activities in both concept and serial design processes. Tier-1 suppliers like SEBN must evolve into seamlessly integrated partners within the OEM design process, meeting demands for rapid responsiveness, managing technical change efficiently, and achieving financial targets. However, the structural evolution of OEMs remains slow, hindered by internal process issues, which impedes the necessary transformation. In contrast, certain markets such as China and South Korea demonstrate successful implementation, showcasing tangible benefits. The “China speed” paradigm and fully software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms from Chinese and Korean manufacturers serve as compelling benchmarks.
Beyond that, what other aspects should the industry keep in mind?
Another key challenge is engineering resilience and flexibility for future mobility. Meeting the latest requirements for autonomous driving demands a delicate balance between lightweight construction and high durability, particularly in wire harness systems. At the same time, European manufacturers face the task of advancing automation and robotics in production while coping with the capital intensity of such investments – especially in light of declining volumes per vehicle line. Modularization and flexible zonal architectures offer promising pathways to reconcile these pressures, enabling scalable and cost-efficient design strategies. Finally, sustainable innovation and supply chain resilience will be decisive. Consumer acceptance of future mobility solutions – whether in electric or combustion engine cars – hinges on the adoption of affordable and environmentally responsible materials. Greening the supply chain is no longer optional but essential. A resilient and sustainable sourcing approach will be key to ensuring long-term competitiveness and credibility in the eyes of both regulators and consumers.
As a global Tier-1 supplier, Sumitomo Electric Bordnetze (SEBN) plays a key role in shaping future E/E architectures. How is your team approaching the transition from traditional to zonal or domain-based harness concepts – and what technical or organizational shifts are required to stay ahead in this transformation?
Already five years ago, SEBN’s management made a forward-looking decision to establish dedicated departments focused on advanced electronic expertise. Our goal was to gain a deep understanding of emerging OEM system requirements – particularly in the context of new zonal architectures and high-speed computing platforms – and to leverage this knowledge in developing optimized solutions for domain and zonal architectures. In parallel, our parent company Sumitomo Wiring Systems in Japan initiated the development of next-generation automation equipment tailored to meet the demands of increasingly automated production processes for domain and zonal wire harnesses.
How have these investments paid off in practice?
Today, these enhanced competencies and cutting-edge in-house manufacturing technologies converge and enable us to respond effectively to the latest customer requests. Moreover, our IT infrastructure has evolved to support closer collaboration with different customers. A notable example is a strategic partnership with one OEM to co-develop future process frameworks. This collaboration, combined with our experience in implementing aligned processes, positions us to actively contribute to upcoming industry challenges.
Is there a clear trend toward one dominant topology – such as zonal – across global markets, or will OEMs continue to pursue parallel strategies depending on regional and platform-specific priorities?
In my view, while zonal architectures are gaining significant momentum across the automotive industry – driven by clear advantages such as reduced wiring complexity, enhanced scalability, and faster integration of advanced features – it is unlikely that a single topology will fully dominate globally in the near future. In key markets, zonal architectures are emerging as the preferred solution to meet performance and integration targets. However, domain-based architectures continue to play a vital role, particularly where they effectively address current customer demands regarding performance and automated manufacturing targets.
What are the main factors driving this diversity?
Several factors contribute to this architectural diversity. Regional market differences play an important role: regulatory frameworks, infrastructure maturity, and consumer expectations vary significantly across regions, influencing OEM strategies. For instance, markets with stringent safety or cybersecurity standards may favor architectures that better support these needs, even if that means diverging from a purely zonal approach. Platform-specific priorities are another factor, as vehicle segments and platforms range from compact passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks, each with unique cost, weight, and performance constraints. Some platforms may benefit more from distributed or domain-based architectures, especially where legacy systems or supplier ecosystems are deeply embedded.
Do you already see OEMs experimenting with hybrid setups that combine different approaches?
The industry is currently navigating a transitional phase, experimenting with hybrid architectures that blend zonal, domain, and distributed elements. This hybrid approach allows OEMs a balanced progression – fostering innovation while managing risks and controlling costs. Finally, supplier and ecosystem influence must be considered. The availability of components, software stacks, and integration expertise also shapes architecture choices, and OEMs often align with suppliers offering proven, topology-specific solutions that meet their strategic and operational needs. In conclusion, while zonal architectures are gaining traction and will probably become a dominant paradigm over time, I expect OEMs to continue pursuing parallel strategies tailored to regional markets and platform requirements for the foreseeable future. This architectural plurality encourages cost-conscious innovation and allows the wiring harness industry to adapt flexibly to evolving technological and market demands. Fortunately, SEBN is well positioned in this regard thanks to its global footprint and is prepared for anything.
