Hyundai adds streaming and Wi-Fi packages to selected EVs Hyundai is adding two digital entertainment packages to selected electric models, bringing video streaming, news, games and children’s content to the central display. A second tier also includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, while access is booked through the Bluelink Store. Ronja Schmiedchen
ZVEI calls for a European alliance on vehicle electronics Europe’s automotive suppliers want common foundations for the next generation of vehicle electronics. Germany’s electrical and digital industry association ZVEI proposes standardised interfaces, centralised computing and closer cooperation on semiconductors and software. Benjamin Müller Jessica Mouchegh
“A scalable software platform starts with hardware agnosticism” As vehicles become more software-defined, edge intelligence is turning E/E architecture into a strategic challenge. Alexandre Corjon of Sonatus explains how automakers can integrate Edge AI while keeping vehicle platforms scalable and maintainable. Benjamin Müller
Vector Informatik simplifies SOVD diagnostics Vector Informatik has launched an end-to-end SOVD toolchain for service-oriented vehicle diagnostics. The solution helps OEMs and suppliers evaluate, test and integrate the new diagnostic standard into modern SDV architectures. Nicole Ahner
How Central Compute, Chiplets, and Open Toolchains Enable the SDV Software-defined vehicles are increasing demands on automotive computing. Central compute, chiplet-based scalability, and open toolchains provide a practical foundation for performance growth, software reuse, and long-term platform development. Peter Bechberger
“With IMSE, trim, electronics, lighting, sensing and HMI become one part” As smart interiors move towards functional, illuminated surfaces, integration is becoming a production challenge. Dr Dominique Heilborn of TactoTek explains how IMSE brings trim, electronics, lighting, sensing and HMI together. Benjamin Müller
Micron and Ford team up on next-gen vehicle memory Micron and Ford are strengthening their supply base for future vehicle programmes. The long-term agreement covers automotive memory and storage solutions as data-heavy functions, local US production and long product cycles make component availability more critical. Dr. Martin Large
“Global platforms need local freedom” Many customers want less complexity in the car and digital functions that are easy to use. In an interview at the AUTOMOBIL-ELEKTRONIK Kongress, Stellantis executive Ned Curic explains how STLA Brain and STLA SmartCockpit combine customer experience, personalisation and scalability. Pascal Nagel
How Capgemini supports Bentley’s digital transformation Bentley has chosen Capgemini as a strategic digital transformation partner for its Crewe site. The cooperation will focus on manufacturing systems, data and AI capabilities, IT services and back-office integration as the OEM prepares its first electric model. Benjamin Müller
Mercedes turns car data into road infrastructure insight Mercedes-Benz is turning connected cars into mobile infrastructure sensors. Anonymised vehicle data from southern Germany and the Netherlands could help authorities detect road damage, update traffic sign records, identify hazards sooner and plan maintenance more precisely. Benjamin Müller
Mercedes-Benz CIO Katrin Lehmann to leave in September Katrin Lehmann will leave Mercedes-Benz after only two years as CIO. Her exit comes as the Stuttgart-based carmaker is still modernising its IT organisation, scaling AI tools and reorganising enterprise technology under a new board structure that links people, processes and data. Yannick Tiedemann
“Artists are not constrained by engineering processes” Vehicle interiors are becoming more digital, sensory and experience-driven. Artist and creative director Yves Peitzner brings a deliberately different perspective to automotive lighting – connecting art, AI, interaction design and spatial installation. Benjamin Müller
Why automotive lighting is becoming intelligent architecture Automotive lighting has long since moved far beyond illumination. At ALC 2026, industry experts showed how user experience, smart surfaces, digital ecosystems and E/E architectures are reshaping the field – and what it takes to make next-level concepts work in practice. Benjamin Müller
“The SDV fundamentally changes the customer relationship” Software-defined vehicles are entering large-scale production, shifting the focus from development to real-world performance. Magnus Östberg, CSO at Mercedes-Benz, explains how MB.OS, data and open source shape the next phase. Pascal Nagel
AEK 2026: Why execution now matters more than strategy The automotive industry has defined its technological direction. Now comes the harder part: delivering at scale. AEK 2026 showed why SDVs, AI, chiplets and China-Speed are turning execution into the decisive competitive factor. Dr. Martin Large
Is vehicle-to-grid finally becoming a European business case? Volkswagen, Valeo and Nissan are pushing bidirectional charging beyond pilots in Europe. Their latest moves show how EVs could become flexible energy assets for homes, grids and drivers, while opening new revenue models around vehicle-to-grid services and smarter charging ecosystems. Benjamin Müller
How VW wants to turn Cariad into a software force Cariad’s new Automotive Software Campus in Berlin is meant to turn Volkswagen’s software reset into operational reality. The site bundles AI, automated driving, infotainment, cloud, data and vehicle dynamics as the group tries to move from ambition to reliable delivery. Ronja Schmiedchen
How Agentic AI Is Changing Vehicle Development Agentic AI could speed up requirements, testing, validation and SDV workflows. But automotive experts warn that without APIs, virtual ECUs, clean data and human expertise, the hype will not scale. Dr. Martin Large
“ISELED is no longer an experimental concept” As vehicle interiors become increasingly software-defined, digital lighting must scale beyond design features. Robert Isele, GM and CEO of Inova Semiconductors, explains how ISELED, ILaS and open ecosystems can support this shift. Benjamin Müller
“The Chinese SDV model tends to favour in-house AI development” As SDVs and AI become central to automotive competition, manufacturers face growing pressure to industrialise both at scale. Dr Liu Qiang, Vice President of Li Auto and General Manager of Li Auto Germany R&D Center, explains how AI, SDVs and embodied intelligence are reshaping vehicle architecture. Benjamin Müller
Renault and Thales connect tactical mobility with AI Renault and Thales have unveiled 4 Troop, a hybrid 4x4 concept that links civil vehicle platforms with secure communications, AI-supported command functions, drone integration, V2L power supply and scalable production for faster operational deployment by modern land forces. Benjamin Müller
The semiconductor paradox in today’s cars Modern vehicles depend on more and more semiconductors, yet that is precisely where the paradox lies: technological progress boosts performance, connectivity and comfort while simultaneously increasing complexity, costs and supply chain vulnerability. Dr. Oliver Aubel
How BMW is securing its electronics supply chain Geopolitical tensions, rising costs and growing chip complexity are putting increasing pressure on automotive electronics procurement. At the AEK, BMW’s Florian Weig explained why transparency, standards and new forms of collaboration are becoming critical. Pascal Nagel
“The future of mobility will not be won by infrastructure alone” Corporate mobility is shifting from company cars towards integrated mobility ecosystems. Florian Windeler, CEO and Co-Founder of Curious Mobility, explains how platforms and data are reshaping employee mobility. Benjamin Müller
Live Blog from the AUTOMOBIL-ELEKTRONIK Kongress 2026 After a first day dominated by SDVs, AI and semiconductor strategies, the second day of AEK 2026 in Ludwigsburg continued the discussions around vehicle architectures, automation and the next steps towards series production. Dr. Martin Large
“Putting the ghost in the machine” As AI moves from the cloud into the vehicle, compute architectures must deliver low latency, efficiency and scalability. Harald Kroeger of SiMa.ai explains why edge-first AI will shape the next phase of software-defined vehicles. Benjamin Müller
“Chiplets enable a shift to a true top-down design approach” Chiplets could reshape how automotive electronics platforms are designed and scaled. Bosch’s Michael Schaffert explains where the technology creates value, and what still limits industrial adoption. Benjamin Müller
AEK 2026: where the future of the car takes shape The AUTOMOBIL-ELEKTRONIK Kongress celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026. At a time of profound transformation, industry leaders discuss SDVs, AI and new partnerships — and how vision turns into execution. Dr. Martin Large
Why software supply chain transparency now matters As vehicles become software-defined, cybersecurity risks are shifting deeper into the software supply chain. This is where SBOMs, regulation and process discipline start to matter. Chris Löwer
Voice assistants in cars gain traction slowly Voice assistants are becoming more relevant in vehicles, but everyday usage remains limited. A new study highlights growing potential for AI voice agents — and clear gaps in automotive customer service. Ronja Schmiedchen
“The most meaningful KPI is feature retention or stickiness” As vehicles evolve into connected ecosystems, seamless user experiences across apps, cars and services become critical. Betty Yagis, Hyundai Connected Mobility, explains how UX strategy, identity and AI shape scalable digital ecosystems. Benjamin Müller
“The real bottleneck is not software – it is validation” Generative AI is dramatically accelerating the development of software-defined vehicles. Yet according to KPIT COO Anup Sable, the real bottleneck lies elsewhere: integration and validation. In this interview, he explains why many SDV projects begin to stall just before reaching the finish line. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
KPIT Moves to Acquire Cybersecurity Specialist Cymotive KPIT is taking a staged route towards full ownership of Cymotive by 2029, strengthening its cybersecurity portfolio as connected, software-defined vehicles turn threat analysis, monitoring and lifecycle protection into strategic requirements. Benjamin Müller
Wire Harness Industry: Ready for the Next Phase? The Bordnetzkongress 2026 highlighted how strongly automation, digitalisation and standardisation are reshaping the industry. Experts gathered at the Reithaus Ludwigsburg to discuss the future of the wiring harness. Dr. Martin Large
“SDVs require a different kind of collaboration across the ecosystem” As SDV architectures reshape vehicle development, sourcing and standardization are becoming strategic issues. Joachim Kahmann of Stellantis explains how purchasing, partnerships and platform decisions will influence future value creation. Benjamin Müller
“OEMs should allow more flexibility in adopting community-based standards” Open source is becoming a strategic lever for SDV platforms as carmakers seek to reuse non-differentiating software at scale. Dr Martin Wagner of BMW explains how S-CORE within Eclipse SDV aims to support safety, ADAS and series viability. Benjamin Müller
BMW i3 vs Mercedes EQ C-Class: who wins the battle? BMW and Mercedes are bringing their next-generation electric sedans to market. The i3 and EQ C-Class compete on range, charging, software and interior experience — but which one comes out on top? Stefan Grundhoff
“Platforms are the backbone of AI-supported engineering” AI will only deliver real productivity gains in automotive software engineering when it is scaled across processes, toolchains and governance. Saskia Kohlhaas of IAV explains how AI-infused engineering can be implemented effectively. Benjamin Müller
“Production readiness is achieved through systematic hardening” As SDV stacks grow more complex, open software must prove it can scale under series, safety and lifecycle constraints. Paula Herzog of Qorix explains how Eclipse S-CORE can be hardened for real-time, automotive-grade deployment. Benjamin Müller
Inside the Shift to Exhaustive Analysis As the automotive industry accelerates toward SDV architectures, manufacturers are confronting a fundamental shift in engineering complexity. Software is no longer a supporting component; it is the primary driver of functionality, differentiation, and lifecycle value. Caroline Guillaume
“If the ecosystem is misaligned, scalability breaks down” As vehicle software grows more complex, the key challenge is no longer technology, but execution at scale. Dr Thomas Irawan of ETAS explains how open foundations, ecosystem alignment and platform discipline can make SDV strategies scalable. Benjamin Müller
“The strongest enabler is cross-brand governance” As SDV architectures increase system complexity, modularisation becomes a key lever for cost, scalability and integration. Volkswagen’s Melanie Sohnemann explains how standardised connector systems can enable cross-brand reuse and accelerate SDV rollout. Benjamin Müller
What to expect at the Automotive Software Strategies Conference 2026 On 19 and 20 May 2026, the Automotive Software Strategies Conference returns to Munich. Industry experts from OEMs, suppliers and technology partners will examine how SDVs, AI-driven development and new software architectures are reshaping the automotive industry. Benjamin Müller
“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
Stellantis and Microsoft Deepen AI Partnership Stellantis and Microsoft are expanding their collaboration through a five-year partnership focused on AI, cloud and cybersecurity across vehicle development, digital services and enterprise IT. 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
How BMW makes its hydrogen model production-ready A flat hydrogen tank system, up to 750 km range and Gen6 battery compatibility: BMW is positioning the iX5 Hydrogen as a fuel-cell variant that fits its broader EV architecture rather than a separate technical outlier. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
“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
When Automotive UX Becomes SDV Architecture In-display sensing, projected surfaces and AR technologies show how automotive UX is moving beyond the interface. What matters now is integration, validation and calibration across the SDV stack – a shift clearly visible in Aumovio’s current concepts. 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
Software-defined vehicles are redefining the industry The shift to software-defined vehicles is fundamentally changing vehicle architectures, development processes and responsibilities. This analysis explores what that means for OEMs and suppliers.
Geely Tech EU and 3SS power Zeekr media Geely Tech EU and 3SS have launched a new in-car entertainment hub for Zeekr in Europe. The platform adds streaming, live TV, news and brand content, while turning the car into a software-led digital touchpoint. Dr. Martin Large
Google expands Android Automotive beyond infotainment Google is extending Android Automotive into core vehicle functions. The move strengthens its role in the automotive HMI — and raises new questions for OEMs. Holger Holzer
“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
VW and Rivian validate new E/E architecture in winter tests Volkswagen and Rivian have successfully completed winter testing of their joint E/E architecture. The upcoming ID. Every1 will be the first model to deploy it — marking a key step in VW’s EV strategy. 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
The infrastructure behind electric mobility At ChargeTec 2026 in Munich, grid operators, carmakers and start-ups will discuss how grid integration, storage technologies and new business models could reshape EV charging infrastructure. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
What to expect at the Mobility + AI Conference 2026 On 14 and 15 April 2026, the Mobility + AI Conference takes place in Munich. Across eight core themes, the event explores the intersection of technology, safety and regulation – from AI-driven automated driving and robotaxis to autonomous logistics, validation, cybersecurity and SDV architectures. Benjamin Müller
Ready Ride: the next step towards the connected motorcycle Motorcycles have long lagged behind cars in digital development. Harman’s new Ready Ride platform combines telematics, cloud connectivity and OTA updates — but could it turn bikes into true software devices? Dr. Martin Large
“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
48 V instead of 12 V: DC/DC converters in focus of the SDV The vehicle of tomorrow integrates multiple voltage levels. 12 V, 48 V as well as 400- and 800-volt systems increase the complexity of the electrical architecture. Haris Muhedinovic and Andreas Wisser from Vicor explain the role DC/DC converters play in this context. Alfred Vollmer
Edge computing as a building block of modern vehicle architectures Edge computing is moving to the centre of vehicle IT. With new industry blueprints and growing data demands, the architecture of connected vehicles is shifting. An overview of technologies, key players and open architectural questions. Ronja Schmiedchen
“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
What to expect at the Bordnetzkongress 2026 On 5–6 May 2026 in Ludwigsburg, the Bordnetzkongress (Automotive Wire Harness & EDS Conference) brings together OEMs, suppliers and industry experts to address next-generation EDS architectures, high-voltage safety, automated harness production and scalable vehicle platforms. Benjamin Müller
Google opens AI centre in Berlin Google has opened a new AI centre in Berlin and plans to invest €5.5 billion in Germany. The new hub aims to connect research, politics and industry – and could also have far-reaching implications for the country’s automotive sector. Benjamin Müller
What challenges will the wiring harness industry face over the next five years? Which challenges will shape the wiring harness and EDS industry most strongly over the next five years? Four experts – all speakers at the 2026 Bordnetzkongress in Germany – provide surprisingly different answers. Benjamin Müller
Lamborghini expands its gaming ecosystem Lamborghini expands its gaming ecosystem by launching the Fast ForWorld experience in Fortnite, creating an immersive branded environment aimed at younger audiences. The initiative marks a new stage in the OEM’s digital engagement strategy. Benjamin Müller
Mercedes GLE and GLS receive Superscreen and new software The new electric Mercedes GLC is currently stealing the spotlight. But GLE and GLS are not stepping aside just yet. The large SUVs are receiving a major update with a redesigned cockpit, new software and revised combustion engines. Thomas Geiger
Volvo rolls out OTA update for 2.5 million vehicles Volvo is preparing its largest over-the-air update to date: around 2.5 million vehicles will receive an updated user interface with faster access to navigation, media and driving modes. The update also prepares vehicles for new AI-based functions. Benjamin Müller
What to expect at the 360°UX Mobility Conference 2026 On 13 May 2026 in Munich, the 360°UX Mobility Conference brings together OEMs, suppliers and UX experts to explore how AI, smart ecosystems and cross-domain collaboration are redefining automotive user experience across the entire customer journey. 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
Infineon prioritises AI and SDVs in 2026 Infineon enters fiscal year 2026 with stable quarterly figures while strategically sharpening its focus on AI data centres, software-defined vehicles and physical AI. The shift requires substantial investment. Dr. Martin Large
“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
These Infineon chips power BMW’s Neue Klasse With the iX3, BMW launches the Neue Klasse and a new E/E architecture. Four central computers consolidate vehicle functions, powered by Infineon Aurix microcontrollers, Ethernet components and digital fuses. Dr. Martin Large
Daimler Truck adopts the AI platform LibreChat As one of the first DAX-listed companies, Daimler Truck is making the open-source solution LibreChat, developed jointly with AWS, available to employees worldwide to unlock the potential of artificial intelligence. Götz Fuchslocher
“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
What to expect at the Automotive Computing Conference 2026 On 24 and 25 March 2026, the Automotive Computing Conference returns to Detroit. Industry experts from OEMs, suppliers and technology partners will discuss how SDVs, AI, virtualisation and new computing architectures are reshaping the automotive industry. Benjamin Müller
Trusted Tech Alliance aims to set standards for digital ecosystems The newly founded Trusted Tech Alliance (TTA) seeks to establish common principles for transparency, security and responsible technology development. For an increasingly digital automotive industry, the initiative could become strategically significant. Benjamin Müller
Why agentic AI exposes legacy systems Agentic AI is widely regarded as the next evolutionary step in artificial intelligence. Yet according to a recent Cognizant study, most IT landscapes are not prepared. Technical debt, legacy systems and rigid budget structures are increasingly becoming strategic liabilities. Ronja Schmiedchen
Hydrogen mobility: What will determine success now Hydrogen mobility appears technically close to series production, yet its economic viability remains fragile. Between subsidies, TCO and infrastructure gaps, five interlinked factors will determine large-scale adoption – and the most decisive one is currently the most expensive. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
Arrow supports next-generation E/E architectures With a new strategic initiative and a dedicated information platform, Arrow Electronics aims to support the transition towards SDVs. OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers are set to benefit from engineering services, technical expertise and a resilient supply chain. Jessica Mouchegh
Why in-car gaming is more than entertainment As 2026 unfolds, in-car gaming is emerging as a proving ground for SDVs, exposing which OEMs can translate digital architecture into tangible user experiences. This overview examines how different manufacturers approach gaming as a platform feature, cloud service or architectural showcase. Ronja Schmiedchen
China bans hidden car door handles China is drawing a line: for safety reasons, the country will ban hidden and deployable door handles from 2027. Vehicle doors must be mechanically operable from both inside and outside. Manufacturers will be required to retrofit affected models by 2029. 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
Why vehicle connectivity is often expensive and opaque Connectivity comes at a price. Drivers who use connected services in their cars are increasingly being charged, often without clear information on costs, durations or long-term implications. Holger Holzer
