How OLED displays are changing the cockpit More and more OEMs are bringing OLED displays into production. What distinguishes the technology from LCDs, what advantages it offers in vehicles, and how Samsung is accelerating with automotive OLEDs - including new form factors and safety functions. Ronja Schmiedchen
„Ignoring China is not an option for multinational wiring harness manufacturers“ In the run-up to the Automotive Wire Harness & EDS Conference 2025, we spoke with Paul Johnston from Siemens Digital Industries Software about the trends reshaping the wire harness sector – from SDVs and global market pressures to AI’s role in design and manufacturing. Benjamin Müller
How advanced are autonomous driving systems really? Autonomous driving between theory and practice - at the IAA Mobility 2025, OEMs, suppliers, and research institutions showcase the progress of driver assistance systems. Learn more about the current ADAS technologies in our overview. Benjamin Müller
“Regulatory compliance is becoming a critical design constraint” Thermal loads, aggressive coolants, and strict regulations are pushing HV connector seals to their limits. At Starlim, Leopold Pühringer develops materials and test methods to keep wire harness systems reliable under these extremes – a topic he explores in our interview. Benjamin Müller
Autonomy in the Midst of Chaos Despite stricter rules following a fatal Xiaomi accident, urban assistance remains in demand in China. Therefore, Mercedes is focusing on the next big step towards autopilot with the new CLA. Thomas Geiger
How Tesla is Changing its AI Hardware Strategy In the summer of 2025, Tesla discontinued the Dojo supercomputer project and will now focus on AI5 and AI6 chips, manufactured by Samsung. What are the goals behind this and what risks does the exclusive 2-nm manufacturing pose? Martin Large
Lyft tests Baidu robotaxis in Europe Lyft and Baidu will launch an autonomous mobility offensive in Europe in 2026. The all-electric RT6 robotaxis are initially set to operate in Germany and the United Kingdom, with the aim of building the continent's largest AV network. Ronja Schmiedchen
The Audi A6 e-tron in Everyday Use With the A6 e-tron – based on the delayed PPE architecture – Audi aims to make its mark in the upper mid-range segment. Our focus is primarily on the digital user experience and driver assistance systems. How well are these elements harmoniously implemented in everyday driving? Timo Gilgen
Cupra's Flagship Tavascan in Practical Test A long-distance drive shows: The Cupra Tavascan VZ drives confidently, thinks ahead - and sounds better than many competitors. But not everything runs smoothly in the digital everyday life. Where does it shine, where does Cupra need to improve? Timo Gilgen
Stellantis integrates 4screen into infotainment systems Stellantis is rolling out location-based services from the start-up 4screen into its infotainment systems. Initial brand models are already equipped, with more to follow - focusing on contextual content and driver comfort. automotiveIT editorial team
Teleoperated Driving to be Permitted in Germany The Straßenverkehr-Fernlenk-Verordnung (Road Traffic Remote Control Regulation) creates for the first time a legal framework for the operation of remotely controlled motor vehicles on public roads in Germany. The federal government sees significant potential for increasing efficiency in this. Benjamin Müller
From Supplier to Software Company The future of software-defined suppliers has begun. For example, Continental has developed its own platform for software-defined vehicles with its Automotive Edge Platform. Just one example among many. Chris Löwer
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
How Vehicle Displays Become Real-Time Marketing Channels With the integration of the 4.screen platform into their infotainment systems, Kia and Hyundai are connecting vehicles, drivers, and brands in innovative ways - and opening the door to new business models. automotiveIT editorial team
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
How Vehicle Connectivity Becomes a Business Model Who pays for connectivity in the connected car? OEMs are striving for an appropriate and profitable answer. Providing a solid subscription model with all its associated complexities is anything but simple. Nicole Ahner
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
“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
Automotive Industry Collaborates More Closely on Software Development Eleven renowned OEMs and suppliers have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate more closely on non-differentiating vehicle software in the coming years. A first open-source-based core stack is expected to be available by 2026. Yannick Tiedemann
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
“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
Volkswagen brings Pac-Man into the vehicle Volkswagen is further expanding the gaming offering in selected models. From now on, Pac-Man is available to play on the infotainment display in the parked vehicle via the optional In-Car app AirConsole. The smartphone serves as the controller. 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
BMW and Alibaba Deepen Strategic Partnership in China BMW and Alibaba announced an expanded partnership in China, accelerating the integration of Alibaba’s Qwen large language model into BMW’s Neue Klasse models. This collaboration is part of BMW’s strategy of increasing cooperation with Chinese tech companies. Benjamin Müller
Nio Introduces New Vehicle API With the new Vehicle API, Nio aims to create a platform that efficiently connects vehicles with third-party apps and energy systems. It is intended to provide easy integration and new opportunities for smart mobility solutions. Ronja Schmiedchen
These are the Vehicle Displays of the Future Large display tablets in automobiles are a thing of the past. The next generation of infotainment relies on screens that stretch across the entire width of the vehicle. Wolfgang Gomoll
How acoustics in vehicles become a selling point In Ilmenau, audio experts met during the "Acoustic Day" organized by Fraunhofer IDMT to discuss the future of interior acoustics. Common denominator: The listening experience becomes a selling point. Nikolaus Fecht
Swedish Minimalism Safety has always been in Volvo's DNA. But how safe do the assistance systems of the EX30 feel? How user-friendly are they and what can the infotainment system do? Our practical test provides the answers. Timo Gilgen
Porsche's Electric Macan Impresses Across the Board The long wait was worth it. As the first Porsche on the PPE platform, the Macan 4 delivers. Besides driving pleasure, the assistance systems and infotainment also score points. Timo Gilgen
New Perspectives for BMW Drivers A quarter-century after the iDrive, BMW is initiating the next revolution in the cockpit and introducing a new user interface with the Neue Klasse. Development chief Frank Weber aims to open the eyes of not only customers but also the competition. Thomas Geiger
Cars Become the Gaming Hotspots of the Future Cars are no longer just means of transportation: OEMs are pushing in-car gaming to the limit with new technologies. Thanks to innovative platforms and clever collaborations, the vehicle becomes a digital playground. Werner Beutnagel
