China Speed in the Automotive Industry – How Can We Keep Up? China is redefining the pace of development in the automotive industry. AEK 2025 shows the structures, technologies, and strategies Chinese manufacturers are using to set standards in SDV and the implications for Europe. Sabine Synkule
What Car Manufacturers Expect from the Chief AI Officer After the CDO comes the CAIO. In the executive suites of car manufacturers like Mercedes or GM, there are now AI directors who are supposed to transform processes and culture across the company. But the pressure to succeed is high - the CAIO must deliver, and quickly. Yannick Tiedemann
How Continental Rethinks Software Security How do data-driven decisions, new partnership models, and a revised understanding of security shape the transformation in the realm of software-defined vehicles? Jeremy McClain, Continental Autonomous Mobility, provides answers in the interview. Dr. Martin Large
Volkswagen wants to democratise AI – and save billions To what extent can the use of AI offer a new perspective to struggling car manufacturers? Europe's largest OEM is focusing on an AI offensive and a 'Large Industry Model'. Recently, a dedicated AI Lab has been established. What does the overall strategy look like? Timo Gilgen
Mercedes Vehicles to Become Mobile Offices Mercedes-Benz expands Microsoft integration in vehicles: Teams meetings with camera, Intune for secure business use, and Copilot API for AI-powered productivity aim to attract business customers. Timo Gilgen
This is why BMW relies on Momenta in China BMW is collaborating with the Chinese ADAS specialist Momenta to develop driver assistance systems for the Chinese market - tailored to local conditions, complemented by global collaborations. Timo Gilgen
This is how Bosch aims to shorten development times Bosch and ETAS want to significantly shorten the path to the software-defined vehicle as part of a joint development project. The initiative made it to the shortlist of the IT Team Awards by automotiveIT last year. Yannick Tiedemann
The Future of Artificial Intelligence in the Automotive Industry At the AUTOMOBIL-ELEKTRONIK Kongress 2025, AI was one of the central topics and appeared in many forms: as a driver of technical innovation, as a risk, and as a key to new vehicle concepts. What the speakers said about the topic. Dr. Martin Large
“A fundamental shift is required” SDV adoption requires deep structural change. Dr Matthias Traub, President and Managing Director at Vector Informatik, explains how OEMs can overcome key hurdles and benefit from strategic platform partnerships. Benjamin Müller
Is AI a Curse or a Blessing for Cybersecurity? While AI offers potential for risk detection, it also increases the range of cyber threats. We explain why the connected car is so vulnerable to digital attacks and whether AI is more of an opportunity or a risk for cybersecurity. Ronja Schmiedchen
AEK 2025: SDV, AI & Mega-Alliances in Focus The AUTOMOBIL-ELEKTRONIK Kongress 2025 has highlighted key challenges and future topics of the automotive industry – from AI to SDV to new partnerships. Here are five topics that shaped the event. Dr. Martin Large
Firefly relies on map data and services from Here Nio's more affordable sub-brand Firefly will soon be supplied by Here with map data and location-based services for electric vehicles and driver assistance systems. Here aims to strengthen its presence in China, while Nio aims to strengthen its presence in Europe. Benjamin Müller
“God’s Eye” by BYD in Practical Test BYD aims to revolutionise autonomous driving with its God’s Eye technology. Three performance levels, AI-supported scenario recognition, and impressive driving performance in the test show: The Chinese system is convincing - but when will it be available in Europe? Wolfgang Gomoll
ZF launches Smart Chassis Sensor in Cadillac Celestiq ZF equips Smart Chassis Sensor for Cadillac’s all-electric flagship Celestiq. It is permanently integrated into the ball joints of all four-wheel suspensions and determines the vehicle's ride height. Smart algorithms generate information from it. Benjamin Müller
“The cell-to-pack (CTP) approach is gaining traction” Tesla and BYD set the pace in cell innovation. In this interview, Jonas Gorsch – a speaker at the Automotive Battery Conference 2025 – reveals what European developers must learn to scale next-gen battery production. Benjamin Müller
When the IoT Becomes the Weakness The use of more sensors, IoT devices, and OTA updates simultaneously creates increasingly risky security vulnerabilities. From the perspective of cybersecurity experts, it is almost impossible to prevent more serious consequences in the long term. Daniela Hoffmann
“The new iDrive system epitomizes the concept of a software-defined vehicle” At AEK 2025, Stephan Durach presented BMW’s Panoramic iDrive. In this interview, he explains how shy-tech controls, head-up projection, and a customizable interface redefine human-machine interaction in the software-defined cockpit. Benjamin Müller
Continental establishes unit for semiconductors and electronics Continental's automotive division has established a new business unit for the development and production of electronics and semiconductor solutions: Advanced Electronics & Semiconductor Solutions (AESS). The manufacturing partner will be GlobalFoundries. Benjamin Müller
These are the data architectures BMW and Kuka rely on The use of GenAI accelerates the availability of information. However, it also requires a different data quality and availability. Only in this way can AI knowledge systems be created on one's own data that do not hallucinate. Daniela Hoffmann
“The best innovation happens through collaboration” With the Automated Driving Alliance, CARIAD and Bosch are building Europe’s only scalable software platform for assisted and automated driving. In this exclusive interview, CARIAD Chief Launch Officer Dr. Thomas Günther explains how the partnership leverages AI, agile software cycles, and industrialization expertise to bring smarter mobility to all vehicle classes. Benjamin Müller
How Volkswagen Plans to Compete with Waymo and Tesla Volkswagen and Moia present their production-ready robotaxi, the ID. Buzz AD, with an integrated complete solution for fully autonomous driving services. This is intended to be the first audible signal from Europe in the race for autonomous mobility services. Yannick Tiedemann
How Driverless Hub-to-Hub Transport Becomes a Reality A joint project between MAN and eleven partners delivers a blueprint for how autonomous hub-to-hub transport will be implemented in Germany — and why SDV architects are now setting the pace. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
“The industry is trending toward deeper hardware and software integration” Ahead of the Automobil-Elektronik Kongress 25, we talked to Dr. Liming Chen, President at Horizon Robotics, about the latest trends in the field of advanced driver-assistance systems. Benjamin Müller
Valeo Receives First Order for Imaging Radar A global OEM has commissioned Valeo to equip its vehicles with the company’s imaging radar system, enabling hands-free and eyes-off driving. Production of the imaging radar system is scheduled to begin in 2028. Götz Fuchslocher
“Global OEMs are under pressure” “Speed of change” is the most critical KPI in SDV strategy, says Anup Sable—because innovation must be fast, efficient, and scalable to succeed in the global race. As CTO of KPIT, he is one of this year’s AEK speakers, whom we interviewed ahead of the conference. Benjamin Müller
“Edge computing is not a nice-to-have - it’s the only path forward” Compute power, platform strategy, edge intelligence - the future of autonomous mobility begins inside the vehicle. That’s the conviction of Salil Raje, SVP of AMD. Ahead of his talk at the Automobil Elektronik Kongress 2025, we asked him three key questions on this topic cluster. Benjamin Müller
What’s ahead at the Automotive Battery Conference 2025? On July 9–10, 2025, the 7th edition of “The Automotive Battery – Key Technology for Electric Vehicles” will take place at the SZ Tower in Munich. The event delivers deep industry insight, strategic guidance, and networking opportunities for professionals in the automotive battery ecosystem. Benjamin Müller
The Unbridled Horse Although Ford offering the Mustang as an electric car causes pain for petrolheads, the powerful electric horse delivers technically. Especially hands-free driving at Level 2+ convinces in practical tests. Timo Gilgen
What’s ahead at the Automobil-Elektronik Kongress 2025? On 24 June, it's finally that time again: Decision-makers in the fields of electricity, electronics, and software in cars will meet in Ludwigsburg for the Automobil-Elektronik Kongress, the annual networking event of the industry. Sabine Synkule
“The future belongs to a holistic UX/UI concept” As Product Experience Director Europe at NIO, Benjamin Steinmetz contributed to the 2025 Automotive Software Strategies Conference in Munich. We took the opportunity to speak with him and ask three key questions. Benjamin Müller
This was the Automotive Software Strategies Conference 2025 The 6th Automotive Software Strategies Conference brought global industry leaders to Munich for two days of in-depth presentations and strategic insights. The event focused on SDVs, the adoption of Rust, monetisation models, AI in development, and the evolving software supply chain. Benjamin Müller
“GenAI can continuously improve ADAS algorithms” In the run-up to the 6th International Conference Automotive Software Strategies, we asked Thomas Dannemann, Senior Director Product Marketing at Qualcomm, three questions. The event will take place on 21 and 22 May 2025 in Munich, Dannemann is one of the speakers. Benjamin Müller
Toyota and Waymo Outline Strategic Partnership Toyota Motor Corporation and Waymo reached a preliminary agreement to explore a collaboration focused on accelerating the development of autonomous driving technologies. The companies aim to combine their respective strengths to develop a new autonomous vehicle platform. Benjamin Müller
How serious is Friedrich Merz about Autonomous Driving? Autonomous Driving is set to soon commence regular operations in Germany - this is promised by the coalition agreement of CDU and SPD. But how? An analysis of the opportunities, legal hurdles, and the status quo. Timo Gilgen
Pioneers for Autonomous Driving in Europe Discover the core aspects of the AI-Assurance-in-Mobility Europe 2025 conference. Experts in Berlin highlighted the crucial questions surrounding AI-supported driver assistance systems and autonomous driving at the intersection of technology and legislation. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
With LiDAR and InGaAs to Fully Autonomous Driving Light-detection and ranging (LiDAR) instruments have become key components of automotive designs that implement advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that range from level three control all the way to full autonomy. Ben White
“Many SDV programmes fail due to old structures” High-tech alone is not enough. The transition to a software-defined vehicle exposes decades-old misconceptions. Joachim Langenwalter reveals why European manufacturers are operating blindly - and what China has long been doing better, with painful insights. Dr. Martin Large
"Autonomous Driving Should Not Remain a Premium Feature" Following BMW, Stellantis also wants to combine Level 2+ and Level 3 in one vehicle. Heiko Schilling, Senior Vice President Software and AI Engineering, explains how the ADAS system was developed and why it is not yet going into series production. Timo Gilgen
VW brings Mobileye and Valeo technology to MQB fleet Volkswagen expands cooperation with Mobileye and Valeo: Advanced driver assistance systems are to be introduced in future MQB vehicles - including centralised architecture and over-the-air updates. Timo Gilgen
Dr. Stefan Poledna is the new CEO of TTTech Auto The Austrian software provider TTTech Auto has undergone a personnel change at the leadership level: Dr. Stefan Poledna, co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer (CTO), has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective 1 April 2025. Benjamin Müller
All Information on the 13th Automotive Wire Harness Congress The wiring systems industry is undergoing extreme changes: There are software updates instead of cables, 800-volt technology instead of standard power, and many more changes... At the Automotive Wire Harness 2025, you can see who is leading the way. What can participants expect? Dr. Martin Large
Lotus and Here collaborate on Highway Navigation Pilot Lotus Robotics and Here Technologies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The companies want to develop a Highway Navigation Pilot solution that delivers Level 2+ (L2+) automated driving functions. Benjamin Müller
Mercedes-Benz is enhancing the S-Class For the 2025 model year, Mercedes-Benz refines its automotive flagship with expanded personalisation options, a smarter infotainment experience powered by AI, and an enhanced Drive Pilot. Benjamin Müller
Efficient Test Fleet Management for ADAS and AD Cloud-based solutions are transforming test fleet management for ADAS and autonomous vehicles. Through real-time monitoring, efficient data handling, and remote diagnostics, companies like Continental save enormous costs and accelerate development. Bastian Schumacher
How good is the VW ID.7 in winter? Volkswagen's flagship is being showered with praise. But how good are the assistance systems of the electric successor to the Passat, and what does the car offer in terms of user experience and infotainment? We conducted a practical test. Timo Gilgen
Nvidia Delivers New Computing Power for Autonomous Driving When it comes to the advancement of autonomous driving functions, no one has been able to bypass Nvidia's supercomputing platforms for a long time. At this year's GTC, the tech player announced a series of new and deepened partnerships. Yannick Tiedemann
Infotainment and ADAS Test: Volvo EX90 vs. XC90 Even though Volvo is keen to spotlight its electric models, the tried-and-true XC90 is still not to be missed. But is it still competitive? Our practical test shows what each Volvo SUV can do. Timo Gilgen
"Our solution fits very well with software-defined cars" When thinking of autonomous driving and Israeli companies, most people probably think of Mobileye first. In addition, there is a second company, Autobrains, whose CEO reveals in an interview how his technology stands out from the competition. Timo Gilgen
New IAMTS Chairman Aims for Global Harmony Mr. Quernheim discusses his mission to unify global standards in autonomous driving and enhance safety through collaboration. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
How does a Lidar sensor work? Lidar is considered a key component for autonomous driving. However, the sensor has yet to become widespread. In this overview, you will learn everything about its functionality, different designs, and measurement methods. Werner Beutnagel
Are Robotaxis on the Brink of a Breakthrough? Autonomous driving is no longer an exclusive domain of car manufacturers—or was it ever? In our overview, you’ll find out which tech and big data companies are pushing the auto industry forward in the race for robotaxis. Yannick Tiedemann
Which Car Manufacturer is Leading in Autonomous Driving? Car manufacturers are technologically inching closer to fully autonomous vehicles. In our overview, you will learn which functions are already available in series and what the current state of development is. Timo Gilgen
Which Sensors Do Autonomous Cars Need? For new assistance systems and automated driving functions, the number, arrangement, type, and quality of sensors are crucial. In particular, radar, lidar, and video systems are currently making significant progress. Götz Fuchslocher
Everything About the Drive Pilot from Mercedes-Benz The introduction of the Drive Pilot was a milestone for autonomous driving. The Level 3 system is currently available in Germany and two US states. From 2025, the Drive Pilot is approved by the KBA for speeds up to 95 km/h. Timo Gilgen
Hands-free on the Autobahn in the BMW i7 As the first car manufacturer, BMW combines its Level 2+ hands-free function up to 135 km/h and the Personal Pilot at Level 3 in the 7 Series. Our practical test shows whether the systems deliver what they promise. The infotainment is also examined in detail. Timo Gilgen
