“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
WeRide and Uber bring Robotaxis to Madrid WeRide and Uber are taking their Robotaxi partnership to Europe. Madrid will host the first commercial pilot, offering a glimpse into how autonomous ride-hailing could scale across regulated urban markets. Benjamin Müller
BMW upgrades assisted driving where it matters most BMW is stepping back from Level 3 automation and doubling down on assisted driving instead. New functions, wider availability and a stronger human-machine partnership are now at the centre of its roadmap. Yannick Tiedemann
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
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
Head-up displays: system architecture and technologies Head-up displays have evolved into complex opto-electronic systems in vehicles. Their architecture combines image generation, projection and optical integration — with display technologies defining performance and future development. Sabine Synkule
“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
Geely Unveils Purpose-Built Eva Cab Robotaxi Geely is positioning the Eva Cab as a purpose-built robotaxi for driverless fleet operations, with Level 4 technology, ride-hailing expertise and a target of up to 100,000 vehicles by 2030. Benjamin Müller
“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
Moia and Beep Bring Robotaxis to Florida Moia and Beep are taking autonomous ID. Buzz vehicles to Florida, with Orlando becoming the launch region for a long-term robotaxi and microtransit rollout targeting cities, public transport operators, campuses and urban districts. 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
BMW integrates Bosch warning system Bosch is rolling out its Road Hazard Service at the BMW Group. The cloud-based solution uses vehicle and weather data to alert drivers to risks such as heavy rain, black ice, accidents or wrong-way drivers at an early stage and to support driver assistance systems more precisely. Ronja Schmiedchen
“Change management is just as important as technology” Corporate mobility is shifting from company cars to integrated mobility ecosystems combining electrification, data and employee choice. SAP’s Steffen Krautwasser explains how fleet strategy, AI and flexible mobility drive sustainable transformation. Benjamin Müller
ChargeTec 2026: From Charge Points to Critical Systems At the ChargeTec Conference 2026 in Munich, the message was clear: EV charging no longer succeeds by adding more charge points alone, but by making infrastructure reliable, grid-aware, data-driven and commercially scalable. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
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
“Bike sharing has moved well beyond urban leisure” Corporate mobility is expanding beyond the company car as firms rethink how employees travel day to day. Matthias Weber of Nextbike explains where bike sharing fits into that shift and where companies still have untapped potential. Benjamin Müller
“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
ChargeTec 2026 puts billing at the centre of EV charging At the ChargeTec Conference 2026 in Munich, the future of EV charging was shown to depend not only on power, sites and grid access, but on automated systems for contracts, pricing, invoicing, taxes, compliance and revenue sharing. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
“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
Valeo Uses Safety Data to Redefine In-Car UX Valeo is reshaping the vehicle interior around AI, in-cabin sensing and software, linking safety data with personalised user experiences and new digital services. Ronja Schmiedchen
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
Proof Over Vision: Mobility+AI in Reality Check At the Mobility+AI Conference, automated mobility moves from vision to proof, as safety evidence, regulatory readiness, operational clarity and public trust emerge as the factors that now determine commercial progress. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
“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
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
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
“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
What MG’s new semi-solid-state battery can deliver MG is bringing semi-solid-state battery technology closer to series production. The Solid-Core battery promises improved performance, charging and stability — marking a tangible step towards next-generation battery systems. Wolfgang Gomoll
Uber brings robotaxi service to Europe Uber is launching its first robotaxi service in Europe together with Pony.ai and Verne. Public road validation is underway in Zagreb, with plans to scale the service to thousands of vehicles. 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
NHTSA probes Tesla Autopilot over safety concerns US regulators are intensifying their investigation into Tesla’s driver assistance system, as crash data raises concerns about the reliability of camera-based autonomy in poor visibility. 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
Lucid targets profitability with midsize platform Lucid has outlined a new product and financial strategy centred on a midsize platform, new drive technology and autonomous mobility. The goal: scale volumes and improve margins. 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
Uber and Rivian target 50,000 robotaxis by 2031 Uber and Rivian are planning a major push into autonomous mobility, with up to 50,000 R2 robotaxis expected to enter service across North America and Europe by 2031. 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
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
Uber integrates robotaxis from Zoox Robotaxis developed by Amazon subsidiary Zoox will soon be bookable via the Uber app. Services are set to launch in Las Vegas later this year, with Los Angeles following in 2027. 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
How do autonomous cars communicate in everyday traffic? SALSA addresses the challenges that arise when automated vehicles interact with conventional cars and other road users. The project partners have now presented their first results. Götz Fuchslocher
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
Holon and CharterUp move autonomous mobility into operation By combining Holon’s 360-degree mobility solution with CharterUp’s operational expertise and nationwide platform, the partners aim to scale autonomous local transport safely and sustainably. Benjamin Müller
China tightens rules for autonomous driving China is tightening legal requirements for automated driving systems. New standards will oblige Level 3 systems to act more independently, including performing a defined safety manoeuvre. Benjamin Müller
“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
What the new UN draft means for OEMs and tech players Autonomous driving was long seen as a purely technological challenge. Yet without a globally aligned legal framework, large-scale deployment remains out of reach. Regulation now determines scalability. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
“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
“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
Immersive lighting design transforms the vehicle cabin Lighting in vehicles is evolving beyond pure functionality. Through immersive, emotional and biologically effective concepts, the interior is becoming a personalised experiential space. This transformation is driven by advanced LEDs, lighting artistry and intelligent design. Benjamin Müller
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
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
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
What to expect at the ChargeTec Conference 2026 On 28 and 29 April 2026, the ChargeTec Conference returns to Munich. Across a broad range of technical, regulatory and operational topics, the event examines how charging technology and infrastructure must evolve to support the next phase of electric mobility. Benjamin Müller
Waymo boosts war chest in robotaxi race In a fresh funding round, Waymo has secured significant new capital to support its robotaxi ambitions. The Google sister company could further extend its lead in the race with Tesla for autonomous ride-hailing services. Benjamin Müller
Why 2026 could mark a turning point for software-defined vehicles 2026 will be a reality check for software-defined vehicles. Martin Schleicher, Eclipse SDV Ambassador, sees the industry at a turning point: success will no longer be defined by vision, but by the ability to deliver software reliably. Dr. Martin Large
GlobalLogic and Elektrobit strengthen SDV platforms GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group company, has announced a strategic expansion of its long-standing partnership with Elektrobit. The extended alliance aims to accelerate the development and market adoption of next generation SDV platforms. Jessica Mouchegh
How far does the new S-Class software update go? Mercedes-Benz has updated the S-Class with a clear focus on software. MB.OS, over-the-air updates and AI-based functions are intended to modernise the flagship. The decisive question is how far this transformation goes beyond incremental digital refinement. Ronja Schmiedchen
Hamburg and Free Now by Lyft launch robotaxi pilot Hamburg is taking a first step towards integrating autonomous taxis into its urban transport system. Together with Free Now by Lyft, northern Germany’s largest city is launching a pilot project designed to test Level-4 robotaxis under real-world conditions. Dr. Martin Large
Forvia Hella enters strategic development partnership with ADI Forvia Hella and Analog Devices (ADI) are jointly developing a configurable electronic fuse solution designed to simplify vehicle power distribution. The system is expected to enter series production in 2028 as part of next-generation zonal architectures. Jessica Mouchegh
The New Realities of Automotive Software Development There are moments in an industry’s evolution when longstanding engineering practices suddenly feel insufficient, even to those who helped define them. Automotive software development is experiencing such a moment today. Andreas Lifvendahl
How the vehicle cockpit is being redefined in 2026 From projected interfaces to AI-driven assistance: at the start of 2026, automakers and suppliers are showing how the vehicle cockpit is evolving into a more software-centric and user-focused environment. Ronja Schmiedchen
What decision-makers need to know about Rust As SDVs raise demands for safety and speed, Rust is gaining traction in automotive software. The language promises fewer defects, strong security guarantees and growing relevance for OEM development strategies. Daniela Hoffmann
The new EX60 brings Volvo’s software plans to life With the EX60, Volvo brings its vision of software-defined mobility onto the road for the first time. The all-electric SUV combines a central computing architecture, AI-powered infotainment and over-the-air updates in a production vehicle. Ronja Schmiedchen
Harman expands “Ready” portfolio for in-cabin systems Harman is extending its “Ready” portfolio with new software, audio, display and safety solutions for the vehicle interior. The aim is to simplify integration, reduce development effort and support digital in-cabin functions over the vehicle lifecycle. Ronja Schmiedchen
When charging stations become part of the firewall EV charging points could evolve from simple energy suppliers into active security nodes. Integrated into vehicle security architectures, they may help detect and stop cyberattacks long before threats reach the car or backend systems. Chris Löwer
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
Pony.ai and BAIC BJEV are scaling autonomous taxi fleets Pony.ai and BAIC BJEV are intensifying their cooperation to accelerate the rollout of Level-4 robotaxis. At the centre of the strategy is the Arcfox Alpha T5, designed for large-scale deployment in China and selected international markets. ADT editorial team
The Next Phase of Automotive Software Reliability Today’s automobiles rely on millions of lines of code distributed across embedded systems that control braking, battery management, connectivity, and advanced driver-assistance features. Ensuring the reliability of this software is a critical priority. Caroline Guillaume
