“The real challenge is functional traceability” As AI enters automotive software engineering, scalable development is becoming a process challenge. Georg Doll, CTO Automotive & Mobility at Microsoft, explains how spec-driven development and AI agents can turn formal intent into verified code. Benjamin Müller
“Ensuring data trustworthiness involves three key aspects” As vehicle architectures grow more complex and energy-hungry, power distribution is becoming a strategic challenge. Martin Baumann, Development Engineer at BMW, explains how data-driven methods are changing electronic power distributor design. Benjamin Müller
“Mixed-criticality workloads challenge safety architectures” As vehicles move towards L3+ autonomy, edge AI, functional safety and open architectures are redefining system design. Priya Muralidharan, Director Marketing at Infineon, explains how validation, safety concepts and RISC-V shape next-generation automotive compute. Benjamin Müller
“A digital twin can predict current-related failure modes very well” As rising system complexity challenges validation in automotive development, digital twins are becoming a key enabler. Thiruvenkata Babuji Baskaran, Molex, explains how virtual validation transforms connector design and testing. Benjamin Müller
“The main constraint lies in the complexity of heterogeneous software” As vehicles evolve into software-defined platforms, delivering consistent HMI experiences across ecosystems becomes a key challenge. Werner Koestler, Pioneer, explains how integration, regulation and UX strategy shape future in-car experiences. Benjamin Müller
“Standardised interfaces can reduce complexity” As electrification increases current loads and complexity in vehicle power distribution, reliable high-current connections become critical for safety and lifecycle cost. Dr. Svenja Müller and Dr. Marcella Oberst from TE Connectivity explain design rules, joining strategies and the new VDI 2231 guideline. Benjamin Müller
“ADAS is the primary domain to benefit from virtualization at scale” As SDVs push software complexity and validation demands to new levels, development speed becomes a critical bottleneck. Ford’s Cedric Armand explains how virtualization reshapes software delivery, testing and system integration. Benjamin Müller
“Chiplet architectures can solve real performance, yield and cost challenges” As SDVs increase demand for advanced compute, automotive faces growing pressure from global semiconductor constraints. Imec’s Jim Foresi explains how chiplet architectures and open standards can enable scalable vehicle platforms. Benjamin Müller
“The key is to measure user value rather than output” As cars evolve into connected ecosystems spanning home, office and mobility, delivering consistent user experiences across platforms becomes a strategic challenge. Design executive Wolfgang Bremer explains how scalable UX and operating models will shape customer-centric mobility. Benjamin Müller
“Welding aluminium requires experience and tight process controls” How can aluminium be used consistently in LV and HV contact systems without compromising reliability? One Mobility’s Thomas Lorenz explains where aluminium already wins – and where engineering discipline remains critical. Benjamin Müller
“The first impact will be visible in SDV program acceleration” The EU–India trade agreement could significantly accelerate software development for European OEMs. Indian software and engineering specialist KPIT, with a strong presence in Europe, assesses the implications. Where the greatest leverage lies is explored in this interview. Dr. Martin Large
“AI model inputs can be tagged to VSS signal names upfront” Scaling edge AI across vehicle platforms remains a complex challenge. From compute constraints and legacy architectures to abstraction and toolchains, Steve Stoddard, Principal Product Manager AI at Sonatus, explains where scalability breaks down and what OEMs must prioritise next. Benjamin Müller
“AI makes diligence affordable” AI-driven tools are reshaping embedded automotive development – not by replacing engineers, but by accelerating testing, validation and review workflows. Felix Martin, Research Engineer at Tasking, explains where AI already adds value and where safety-critical limits remain. Benjamin Müller
“The system has to be accurate and hyper-continuously available” As vehicles become increasingly software-defined and automated functions demand continuous reliability, localisation systems face new expectations for resilience and continuity. In this interview, Brett Harrison, Co-Founder and President of Tern, explains why legacy positioning concepts are no longer sufficient. Benjamin Müller
“Flexibility comes from modularity and decoupling” As electrification accelerates and software becomes central to vehicle identity, EV development is shifting from component-led optimisation to integrated, systems-level engineering. In this interview, Sharath Reddy from Magna explains why this transition is redefining EV platforms. Benjamin Müller
Transformation at China Speed In September 2025, Continental’s automotive division was spun off and listed on the stock exchange under the new name Aumovio. We spoke with Nino Romano, CTO at Aumovio, about the reasons behind the spin-off, the new opportunities it creates, China Speed, SDVs, autonomous driving, and much more. ADT editorial team
“A new mobility system will emerge” In connected-car innovation, Chinese OEMs are increasingly setting the pace – and the traditional automotive world has much to learn. CAM-Expert Stefan Bratzel explains why autonomous driving is becoming the decisive success factor. ADT editorial team
“Our goal must be to end up with a single-digit number of ERP systems” Since January 2025, Thomas Buck has been CIO at ZF, driving the German company’s IT transformation with a fresh perspective. In the following interview, he explains how he is reshaping IT, what challenges lie ahead, and why architecture plays a decisive role. Pascal Nagel
“S-CORE is the blueprint – we build the actual structure” As open-source architectures move into the core of software-defined vehicles, Eclipse S-CORE aims to deliver the first near-series middleware standard for the industry. In the interview, Dr Nico Hartmann, CTO at Qorix, explains how far the implementation has already progressed — and what comes next. ADT editorial team
“Multimodal design must follow a less-is-more philosophy” As audio-driven interfaces expand in next-gen cabins, lighting must stay precise, safe and tightly synchronised. Hanna Lukashevich from Fraunhofer IDMT explains how audio-reactive lighting evolves into robust, multimodal interior systems. Benjamin Müller
“Continuous pipelines have become business-critical” As the shift toward software-defined mobility accelerates, OEMs face rising pressure across computing architectures, supply chains, and organizational models. Heinz Schmitz from GreenRock explains where the industry stands – and what companies must fix to keep pace. Benjamin Müller
Sponsored “Engineering and IT need to communicate effectively to successfully manage the shift” In this interview, Richard Rovner and Udo Gohier explain how MathWorks supports automakers and suppliers in successfully navigating the cultural and technological transformation toward the Software-Defined Vehicle. Yannick Tiedemann
“Chiplet-based designs enable scalability and performance” As SDV development accelerates worldwide, regional strategies diverge sharply. Hanno Wolff from Synopsys explains how global ecosystems, semiconductor innovation, and early co-design shape the next generation of automotive computing. Benjamin Müller
“The biggest barriers are mindset and organizational structure” As the shift toward hyperscale platforms accelerates, legacy automotive structures face an existential test. NXP’s Houssem Ghanmi explains how OEMs can move from adaptation to reinvention in the software-defined era. Benjamin Müller
“Memory solutions also enable lower power consumption” As multimodal AI turns cars into data centers on wheels, memory and storage become critical. Chris Jacobs from Micron explains how new DRAM and flash architectures deliver the bandwidth, latency, and reliability needed for real-time in-vehicle AI. Benjamin Müller
“Driving simulators have emerged as indispensable development tools” As vehicles become more software-defined, advanced virtualization and driver-in-the-loop simulation are transforming how new functions are developed and validated. BMW’s Dr Chantal Himmels and Robert Siwy discuss how human-centered simulation accelerates innovation and ensures safety. Benjamin Müller
“We see a strong trend toward open-source solutions” As budgets tighten across the automotive industry, reaching “SDV Level 5” requires smarter architectures, selective transformation, and collaboration. Dr Moritz Neukirchner of Elektrobit explains how this can be achieved. Benjamin Müller
“Not everything makes sense to be centralized” Microcontrollers remain vital to automotive innovation. Marco Cassol from Infineon explains how MCUs evolve alongside high-performance SoCs to ensure safety, determinism, and efficiency in software-defined vehicles. Benjamin Müller
“We focus on enabling modular and scalable continuous integration” Continuous integration, SIL/HIL continuity, and cloud-native testing are key to mastering SDV development. Stefan Walter from dSPACE explains how these elements enable faster, more reliable automotive validation. Benjamin Müller
“We need leading edge solutions, which form the heart of the car” Chiplet architectures are redefining the automotive industry. Imec’s Bart Placklé explains how modular design, interoperability, and ecosystem collaboration can help Europe regain leadership in high-performance vehicle computing. Benjamin Müller
“The focus is shifting towards the interior experience” Lighting systems are becoming increasingly complex and connected. Philipp Kolb from Lightworks explains how design, electronics, and optics merge into homogeneous, functional lighting solutions – and why balance and precision are key to the next generation of intelligent in-car lighting. Benjamin Müller
“Light will be functionally integrated into the workflow” Light in the vehicle interior is increasingly becoming an intelligent interface: Stefan Menninger from Preh explains how interdisciplinary thinking, embedded software, and system integration enable the next generation of connected interior lighting. Benjamin Müller
“We need to drastically reduce the complexity” Smart LEDs are transforming car interiors – but also adding complexity. Paul Henri Matha from Driving Vision News explains why the next big challenge for in-car lighting isn’t more innovation, but simplification. Benjamin Müller
“Higher costs require more flexibility in procurement” Interior lighting in cars is becoming increasingly intelligent, connected, and personalised. Otmar Rauchensteiner from Dräxlmaier explains how software and AI are shaping the lighting architecture of the future - and how global trade conflicts affect it. Benjamin Müller
“Collaboration between academia and industry will lead to striking lighting effects” Smart lighting and advanced display systems are transforming the vehicle interior into an interactive space. Karlheinz Blankenbach – founder of the Display Lab at Pforzheim University – explains how digital LEDs, metrology, and human visual effects will drive the next wave of intelligent, energy-efficient in-car experiences. Benjamin Müller
“We want to build supply chain resilience through automation” Wire harness production is shifting from manual assembly to automated pre-assembly. Christian Infanger of Komax, one of the speakers at this year’s Automotive Wire Harness & EDS Conference, explains how one-piece flow, modular systems, and advanced processes cut errors, boost throughput, and enhance scalability. Benjamin Müller
„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
“We advocate for an application-driven approach” At the Automotive Battery Conference, Zheren Wang of Forward Engineering made the case for rethinking battery enclosures. In this interview, he outlines how a holistic composite strategy can unlock performance, safety, and design freedom. Benjamin Müller
“Industry Collaboration and Internal R&D are Decisive” How can OEMs balance cost, performance, and sustainability in battery development? Dr. Juliane Kluge, Head of Cell Chemistry and Methods at BMW, shares insights ahead of her keynote at the Automotive Battery Conference 2025. 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
“Our concept does not require module housings or inner frames” In the run-up to the Automotive Battery Conference, we interviewed Maximilian Schirp, CTO & Co-founder at ivilion. The 7th edition of the international event will take place on 9 and 10 July 2025 in Munich, and Schirp is one of the speakers. 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
“Analog workflows create blind spots” In the lead-up to the Automotive Battery Conference, we spoke with Erik Reiter, CEO and Co-Founder of Digital Automotive IT Manufactory. With over 25 years of international management experience in the automotive supplier industry, Reiter has held various leadership roles. Benjamin Müller
“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
“Distribution grid operators need transparent guidelines” In the run-up to the ChargeTec Conference, we posed three questions to Johannes Pallasch, Head and Spokesman of the National Centre for Charging Infrastructure (NOW). The 5th edition of the international event will take place on 27 and 28 May 2025 in Munich. Benjamin Müller
“Today's vehicles are like patchwork collages” Co-Founder & CEO of Veecle and one of the speakers on Day 1 of the Automotive Software Strategies Conference in Munich: Dr Stefan Nürnberger. In the context of the event, we asked him three questions about Rust as a foundation for secure, scalable, and future-proof SDV development. Benjamin Müller
“Collaboration models between OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers are frequently underdeveloped” In the lead-up to the 6th International Automotive Software Strategies Conference, we asked Augustin Friedel, Senior Manager SDV at MHP Management, three questions. The event will take place on 21 and 22 May 2025 in Munich, and Friedel is one of the speakers. Benjamin Müller
“V2G services most likely start with fleet operators” In the run-up to the ChargeTec Conference, we interviewed Simon Haverkamp, Manager e-mobility at Accenture. The 5th edition of the international event will take place on 27 and 28 May 2025 in Munich, Haverkamp is one of the speakers. Benjamin Müller
“We must avoid over-regulation” In the run-up to the ChargeTec Conference, we posed three questions to Alexander Funke, Expert Energy Markets at BMW. The 5th edition of the international event will take place on 27 and 28 May 2025 in Munich, Funke is one of the speakers. Benjamin Müller
“Modularity makes complexity manageable” In the lead-up to the 6th International Conference on Automotive Software Strategies, we asked Dr. Thomas Raste, Principal Expert in Vehicle Dynamics at Continental, three questions. The event will take place on 21 and 22 May 2025 in Munich, Dr. Raste is one of the speakers. 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
Open Source in the Automotive Industry Open Source is fundamentally changing software development in the automotive industry. Michael Plagge from the Eclipse Foundation explains in an interview why active participation determines influence, innovation, and long-term success. Dr. Martin Large
“Pooling resources with market leaders” In the run-up to the ChargeTec Conference, we interviewed Detlef Hell, Manager Home Charging & Energy Services at Ford. The 5th edition of this international event will take place on 27 and 28 May 2025 in Munich, Hell is one of the speakers. Benjamin Müller
“AI assurance becomes the new quality standard” What do OEMs, suppliers, and tech start-ups need to do now to ensure AI-supported vehicle functions are reliable and safe on the road? Deloitte manager Andreas Herzig draws a clear conclusion after the AI Assurance in Mobility Europe in Berlin. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
“Sandstorms and lots of dust in the air” In the run-up to the ChargeTec Conference, we asked Wulf Schlachter, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, DXBe Management, three questions. The 5th edition of this international event will take place on 27 and 28 May 2025 in Munich. Wulf Schlachter is one of its speakers. Benjamin Müller
3 Questions for… Dr Axel Sprenger, Managing Director, USCALE In the run-up to the 5th International Conference ChargeTec, we asked Dr Axel Sprenger, Managing Director, USCALE, 3 questions. The conference will take place on 27 and 28 May 2025 in Munich, and Dr Sprenger is one of the speakers. Benjamin Müller
