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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Hyundai Mobis and Qualcomm partner on SDV platforms Hyundai Mobis and Qualcomm have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at developing future-ready SDV architectures and advanced driver assistance systems. The partnership targets scalable solutions for fast-growing automotive markets. ADT editorial team
How Nvidia is turning AI into road-ready autonomy Nvidia is moving beyond chips and simulations to position itself as a central force in autonomous mobility. A robotaxi service is planned for 2027, while passenger vehicles equipped with the platform are expected to follow from 2028. 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
Who is leading the shift to bidirectional charging? As EVs evolve into flexible home and grid storage units, more manufacturers are adopting bidirectional charging. Here is how leading OEMs approach the technology — and what opportunities it opens for customers and energy systems. ADT editorial team
How Germans really feel about autonomous driving Autonomous mobility is gaining acceptance in Germany. Many expect quieter streets, smoother traffic and greater safety and comfort. Despite concerns around technology, legislation and costs, most respondents show strong openness to self-driving systems. ADT editorial team
How Stellantis and Bolt are shaping Europe’s robotaxi ambitions Stellantis and Bolt plan to begin testing Level-4 autonomous vehicles in Europe from 2026, with a long-term goal of deploying tens of thousands of robotaxis. Their initiative reflects a broader acceleration of autonomous mobility projects across the continent. ADT editorial team
Mercedes, Momenta and Lumo launch robotaxi fleet in Abu Dhabi Mercedes-Benz is teaming up with Chinese autonomous driving specialist Momenta and UAE taxi operator Lumo to deploy a luxury robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi. The Level-4 fleet will be based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and is set to begin operations next year. Benjamin Müller
Infineon and Lenovo expand SDV computing partnership Infineon and Lenovo are expanding their collaboration to support high-performance computing platforms for software-defined vehicles. The joint approach targets autonomous driving from Level 2 to Level 4. Benjamin Müller
Mercedes-Benz updates MBUX Mercedes-Benz is rolling out a fresh update package for its third-generation MBUX system, adding retro games, Dolby Atmos audio and direct Teams call integration. ADT editorial team
Percepio partners with BMW to boost software performance Percepio and BMW are joining forces to improve real-time software performance in next-generation vehicles. The Swedish software developer provides key insights that support scalability, reliability, and faster development of Software-Defined Vehicles. Benjamin Müller
“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
Complete radar solutions on a chip Alongside the camera, radar is the fundamental sensor technology for ADAS and automated driving. However, radar offers many additional possibilities, and with Antenna in Package (AiP), there is a complete radar solution in a chip package. Peter Wiese
Bolt and Pony.ai join forces to launch robotaxis Chinese robotaxi companies are turning their attention to Europe. Pony.ai has now partnered with Estonian mobility platform Bolt to prepare a driverless ride service, combining autonomous vehicle technology with Bolt’s established ecosystem. ADT editorial team
“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
What autonomous transport could mean for public budgets Autonomous buses have the potential to shift the financial foundations of public transport. Lower operating costs and new fleet concepts could reduce the level of public funding required over the coming decades. Benjamin Müller
VW gains full end-to-end development capability in China Volkswagen has expanded its Hefei operations into a full development hub, enabling the German company to design, test and validate the next generation of connected vehicles entirely within China — and at the speed the local market demands. ADT editorial team
How IT solutions help carmakers accelerate transformation From connected factories to cloud-driven vehicle development: digital tools and services have become a foundational element of the automotive industry. Here’s how new IT solutions help manufacturers boost efficiency, reduce risks and accelerate innovation. ADT editorial team
When the car picks up the bill As mobility becomes more digital, tokenisation offers new ways to manage payments, component histories and vehicle identities. German manufacturers are now testing blockchain to bring these concepts into real operations. ADT editorial team
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
Polestar plans full rollout of Google Gemini across its line-up Polestar and Google have unveiled the new Gemini AI assistant inside the Polestar 5. The system promises more natural in-car conversations and will be introduced step by step across all Polestar models from 2026 onwards. ADT editorial team
Lidar Sensors in Autonomous Driving As vehicles become more automated, they must sense and interpret the world with extraordinary precision. Lidar has emerged as one of the most capable tools for this task. This article explores the technology and its growing importance. ADT editorial team
VW and Rivian advance zonal SDV architecture Volkswagen and Rivian report major progress on their new zonal SDV architecture. First reference vehicles are ready for winter testing in 2026, with the ID.Every1 set to launch in 2027 as the first model using the platform. ADT editorial team
Customer benefit must be the focus On the journey from hardware-centred vehicles to software-defined mobility solutions, companies need not only the right technology but also a culture of exchange on an equal footing. Götz Fuchslocher
IT and engineering must speak the same language Development and IT must collaborate more closely than ever on software-defined vehicles. External partners and their expertise are equally important aspects, experts emphasise at the automotiveIT car.summit. Götz Fuchslocher
Navigating the software-defined vehicle revolution The software-defined vehicle (SDV) is transforming how the automotive industry creates value. OEMs and suppliers must adapt their strategies and development processes to meet new demands for quality, safety, and security. Changjiang Duan Rafael Taubinger
“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
How Nio plans to counter German dominance in the luxury segment Chinese brands target the European luxury class. Nio leads with the ET9, focusing on innovative solutions over image. We drove the semi-autonomous premium EV in China and examine its short development time. Jürgen Zöllter
„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 Busbars in Charging Infrastructure Increase EV Charging Performance A disadvantage of electric cars is still the charging time. The integration of busbars in charging infrastructures for electric vehicles offers great potential to increase this charging performance. However, some challenges need to be addressed. Barbara Stumpp
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
Electrification of Cars Changes Vehicle Design Electrification replaces mechanical systems with electrical modules - from power steering to cooling pumps. New vehicle architectures, 48-V technologies, and intelligent components are driving this change across the entire mobility industry. Matt McWhinney
Car Batteries: What Flame Retardants Can and Cannot Do Do flame retardants in car batteries really protect against fires - or do they cause more harm than they prevent? A publication questions their effectiveness and even sees risks. We asked a manufacturer. Dr. 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
Bosch presents new SoC for ADAS applications Bosch injects momentum into radar technology: With new SoCs, the supplier aims to combine computing power, AI capability, and compact integration to equip assistance systems for the next level of automated mobility. Ronja Schmiedchen
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
What does a Battery Production Data Scientist do? The high-voltage battery is considered the most important differentiating feature in electric cars. BMW uses highly intelligent data-driven systems in battery production. To ensure these become more sophisticated, there are people like Patrick Zimmermann. Chris Löwer
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
