What to expect at the Automotive Computing Conference 2025 At the Automotive Computing Conference 2025 in Munich from 13 to 14 November, innovation and mobility come together. Experts share insights on how AI, high performance computing (HPC), and chiplets are transforming the automotive world. Dr. Martin Large
How Valeo shapes the light of the future For Valeo, light is much more than safety - it is communication, design, and software all at once. In Bobigny, France, the supplier develops technologies that redefine vehicle lighting. Timo Gilgen
Moia brings autonomous shuttles to Berlin In the northwest of Berlin, a new chapter of urban mobility begins: for the first time, autonomous VW ID. Buzz AD from Moia are on public roads. The project aims to test how public transport can be expanded with flexible, self-driving options. Ronja Schmiedchen
What is the legal situation regarding autonomous driving? Autonomous driving is approaching: New laws, pilot projects, and technical advancements are changing the framework conditions. Find out which regulations apply in Germany, how EU requirements are implemented, and who is liable in the event of an accident. Timo Gilgen
Between Google Maps and Abbey Road in the Polestar 3 The Polestar 3 combines Scandinavian design with digital strength: Google infotainment, 1,610 watt Bowers & Wilkins sound and precise assistance systems. However, CarPlay issues and high consumption mar the high-tech appearance. Timo Gilgen
“Light must be developed and conceived holistically” Digital LEDs and ILaS transform vehicle lighting into a connected, intelligent system. SP3 expert Mathias Rönnfeldt explains how design, electronics, and software merge into dynamic, emotional lighting systems of the next generation. Benjamin Müller
Smart cloud instead of cloud first Cloud first is a thing of the past: The automotive industry is focusing on hybrid multicloud and agentic AI. Various IT experts explain how costs, governance, security, energy, and talent shape the architecture. Ronja Schmiedchen
IT as a strategic lever for change in the automotive industry At the automotiveIT Congress 2025, CIOs of leading automotive companies demonstrated how IT becomes a strategic lever. Between cloud, AI, and mergers, new paths are revealed - but how does transformation truly succeed under uncertainty? Dr. Martin Large
BMW and E.ON launch first bidirectional customer offering With vehicle-to-grid, the electric car becomes part of the energy system: The BMW iX3 can not only receive electricity but also feed it back into the grid. BMW and E.ON are thus bringing a commercial V2G offering for private customers to Germany for the first time. Ronja Schmiedchen
“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
Mercedes demonstrates the range power of the solid-state battery Mercedes has proven the performance of the solid-state battery with a modified EQS: 1,205 kilometres from Stuttgart to Malmö without a charging stop. Volkswagen is also taking the next development steps. automotiveIT editorial team
Who will win the race for wireless standards for the connected car? The connected car only really makes sense if it also communicates with its surroundings. A wireless standard is needed for this. With ITS-G5 and C-V2X, two promising candidates are at the starting line. But which one will win the race? Chris Löwer
How blockchain ensures greater cyber resilience Although it has become quiet around them, blockchain technologies in the automotive industry continue to offer significant potential - especially when it comes to cybersecurity in future generations of connected vehicles. Chris Löwer
How The Autonomous 2025 advances autonomous vehicles In Vienna, the "The Autonomous Main Event 2025" was a key conference on the future of safe autonomous systems. The focus was on integration and AI, and where there are further opportunities for the automotive industry. Alfred Vollmer
“Higher connector volumes support the viability of multiple suppliers” Zonal architectures, rising voltages, and automated harness assembly are reshaping vehicle E/E systems. In this interview, USCAR’s EWCAP Manager Chris Dillon explains how connector standards, digitalisation, and cross-industry alignment drive the future of wire harness design. Benjamin Müller
What’s ahead at the Automotive Wire Harness & EDS Conference 2025? On 20-21 October 2025, the Automotive Wire Harness & EDS Conference returns to Detroit, bringing together leading experts, OEMs, Tier-1s, and technology providers to discuss the latest trends, standards, and innovations in wiring harness and EDS systems. What awaits you at this year’s event? Benjamin Müller
“The complexity of the harness is reduced, which leads to better manufacturability” How can OEMs and suppliers master the shift to zonal architectures, digital twins, and automation in wire harness design? Vector’s Lars Wunderlich outlines the key challenges and explains why a holistic approach is crucial. Benjamin Müller
Valeo and Qualcomm expand teamwork in SDV Valeo and Qualcomm are expanding their long-standing collaboration on driver assistance systems and automated driving. A pre-configured ADAS/AD platform is intended to simplify vehicle implementation and accelerate market launch. Götz Fuchslocher
How OLED displays are changing the cockpit More and more OEMs are bringing OLED displays into production. What distinguishes the technology from LCDs, what advantages it offers in vehicles, and how Samsung is accelerating with automotive OLEDs - including new form factors and safety functions. Ronja Schmiedchen
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
How Continental Rethinks Software Security How do data-driven decisions, new partnership models, and a revised understanding of security shape the transformation in the realm of software-defined vehicles? Jeremy McClain, Continental Autonomous Mobility, provides answers in the interview. Dr. Martin Large
Volkswagen wants to democratise AI – and save billions To what extent can the use of AI offer a new perspective to struggling car manufacturers? Europe's largest OEM is focusing on an AI offensive and a 'Large Industry Model'. Recently, a dedicated AI Lab has been established. What does the overall strategy look like? Timo Gilgen
New Battery Project Pursues Highly Cooperative Scaling With the aim of accelerating the industrialisation of novel production and battery technologies, RWTH Aachen, the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB, and the German mixing technology developer HS-Tumbler are launching the KOOP project. Götz Fuchslocher
Mercedes Vehicles to Become Mobile Offices Mercedes-Benz expands Microsoft integration in vehicles: Teams meetings with camera, Intune for secure business use, and Copilot API for AI-powered productivity aim to attract business customers. Timo Gilgen
This is why BMW relies on Momenta in China BMW is collaborating with the Chinese ADAS specialist Momenta to develop driver assistance systems for the Chinese market - tailored to local conditions, complemented by global collaborations. Timo Gilgen
This is how Bosch aims to shorten development times Bosch and ETAS want to significantly shorten the path to the software-defined vehicle as part of a joint development project. The initiative made it to the shortlist of the IT Team Awards by automotiveIT last year. Yannick Tiedemann
How Vehicle Displays Become Real-Time Marketing Channels With the integration of the 4.screen platform into their infotainment systems, Kia and Hyundai are connecting vehicles, drivers, and brands in innovative ways - and opening the door to new business models. automotiveIT editorial team
The Future of Artificial Intelligence in the Automotive Industry At the AUTOMOBIL-ELEKTRONIK Kongress 2025, AI was one of the central topics and appeared in many forms: as a driver of technical innovation, as a risk, and as a key to new vehicle concepts. What the speakers said about the topic. Dr. Martin Large
How Vehicle Connectivity Becomes a Business Model Who pays for connectivity in the connected car? OEMs are striving for an appropriate and profitable answer. Providing a solid subscription model with all its associated complexities is anything but simple. Nicole Ahner
Is AI a Curse or a Blessing for Cybersecurity? While AI offers potential for risk detection, it also increases the range of cyber threats. We explain why the connected car is so vulnerable to digital attacks and whether AI is more of an opportunity or a risk for cybersecurity. Ronja Schmiedchen
Why VW Fails with Cariad: Analysis and Learnings Cariad was supposed to be VW's answer to Tesla – but instead a cumbersome colossus emerged. Philipp Raasch (The Autopreneur) provides deeper insights into the causes of the failure and shows what can be learned from it. Dr. Martin Large
AEK 2025: SDV, AI & Mega-Alliances in Focus The AUTOMOBIL-ELEKTRONIK Kongress 2025 has highlighted key challenges and future topics of the automotive industry – from AI to SDV to new partnerships. Here are five topics that shaped the event. Dr. Martin Large
Firefly relies on map data and services from Here Nio's more affordable sub-brand Firefly will soon be supplied by Here with map data and location-based services for electric vehicles and driver assistance systems. Here aims to strengthen its presence in China, while Nio aims to strengthen its presence in Europe. Benjamin Müller
“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
“God’s Eye” by BYD in Practical Test BYD aims to revolutionise autonomous driving with its God’s Eye technology. Three performance levels, AI-supported scenario recognition, and impressive driving performance in the test show: The Chinese system is convincing - but when will it be available in Europe? Wolfgang Gomoll
How ZF Uses AI to Make Electric Motors More Efficient TempAI is the name of a new method from ZF that aims to take temperature management in electric drives to a new level. The adaptive temperature model is expected to improve temperature control by 15 percent. Götz Fuchslocher
“Morrow "electrified" all heating and drying processes in cell manufacturing” How can sustainability, cost-efficiency, and flexibility be reconciled in battery cell manufacturing? Christin-Marie Boudgoust, CCO of Morrow Batteries, shares her perspective ahead of her talk at the Automotive Battery Conference. Benjamin Müller
Rheinmetall Charging Kerb Ready for Regular Operation After just over a year, Rheinmetall's charging kerb pilot project in Cologne has been successfully completed, proving the market readiness of the solution: Technical availability during the test period was over 99%, and users consistently gave positive feedback. Dr. Martin Large
“The rationale lies in minimising the logistical effort of transporting old battery systems” In the run-up to the Automotive Battery Conference, we interviewed Dr Dominik Lembke, CBDO at Librec. The 7th edition of the international event will take place on 9 and 10 July 2025 in Munich, and Dr Lembke is one of the speakers. Benjamin Müller
What China's GB 38031-2025 Means for EV Batteries With GB 38031-2025, China aims to usher in a new era of battery safety: "no fire, no explosion" is the motto. What initially sounds like a technical detail could fundamentally change the global EV market. Dr. Martin Large
“The cell-to-pack (CTP) approach is gaining traction” Tesla and BYD set the pace in cell innovation. In this interview, Jonas Gorsch – a speaker at the Automotive Battery Conference 2025 – reveals what European developers must learn to scale next-gen battery production. Benjamin Müller
When the IoT Becomes the Weakness The use of more sensors, IoT devices, and OTA updates simultaneously creates increasingly risky security vulnerabilities. From the perspective of cybersecurity experts, it is almost impossible to prevent more serious consequences in the long term. Daniela Hoffmann
“The new iDrive system epitomizes the concept of a software-defined vehicle” At AEK 2025, Stephan Durach presented BMW’s Panoramic iDrive. In this interview, he explains how shy-tech controls, head-up projection, and a customizable interface redefine human-machine interaction in the software-defined cockpit. Benjamin Müller
Live Ticker for the Automobil-Elektronik Kongress 2025 (AEK) On 24th and 25th June, the Automobil-Elektronik Kongress 2025 took place in Ludwigsburg. Industry decision-makers discussed developments in automotive electronics, SDV, and AI. Here you’ll find a chronological overview of what happened. Benjamin Müller
Continental establishes unit for semiconductors and electronics Continental's automotive division has established a new business unit for the development and production of electronics and semiconductor solutions: Advanced Electronics & Semiconductor Solutions (AESS). The manufacturing partner will be GlobalFoundries. Benjamin Müller
These are the data architectures BMW and Kuka rely on The use of GenAI accelerates the availability of information. However, it also requires a different data quality and availability. Only in this way can AI knowledge systems be created on one's own data that do not hallucinate. Daniela Hoffmann
How Volkswagen Plans to Compete with Waymo and Tesla Volkswagen and Moia present their production-ready robotaxi, the ID. Buzz AD, with an integrated complete solution for fully autonomous driving services. This is intended to be the first audible signal from Europe in the race for autonomous mobility services. Yannick Tiedemann
How Driverless Hub-to-Hub Transport Becomes a Reality A joint project between MAN and eleven partners delivers a blueprint for how autonomous hub-to-hub transport will be implemented in Germany — and why SDV architects are now setting the pace. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
Toyota Launches Software Offensive With the sixth generation of the RAV4, Toyota is presenting not only an evolved SUV, but also the new software platform Arene and a dedicated software academy. The goal: a digital driving experience and the training of new AI and software experts. Timo Gilgen
How Rust Accelerates the Path to the SDV The emerging programming language Rust has the potential to reduce development time for SDVs and lower susceptibility to errors. In combination with generative AI, development speeds can be significantly increased. Daniela Hoffmann
The Development Community Needs to Step Up The prostep ivip Symposium made one thing clear: the Software Defined Vehicle lives on data – and data quality remains a consistent source of headaches. Generative AI is emerging as a game changer in the product development process. Daniela Hoffmann
Valeo Receives First Order for Imaging Radar A global OEM has commissioned Valeo to equip its vehicles with the company’s imaging radar system, enabling hands-free and eyes-off driving. Production of the imaging radar system is scheduled to begin in 2028. Götz Fuchslocher
“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
“Global OEMs are under pressure” “Speed of change” is the most critical KPI in SDV strategy, says Anup Sable—because innovation must be fast, efficient, and scalable to succeed in the global race. As CTO of KPIT, he is one of this year’s AEK speakers, whom we interviewed ahead of the conference. Benjamin Müller
What’s ahead at the Automotive Battery Conference 2025? On July 9–10, 2025, the 7th edition of “The Automotive Battery – Key Technology for Electric Vehicles” will take place at the SZ Tower in Munich. The event delivers deep industry insight, strategic guidance, and networking opportunities for professionals in the automotive battery ecosystem. Benjamin Müller
“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 Unbridled Horse Although Ford offering the Mustang as an electric car causes pain for petrolheads, the powerful electric horse delivers technically. Especially hands-free driving at Level 2+ convinces in practical tests. Timo Gilgen
What’s ahead at the Automobil-Elektronik Kongress 2025? On 24 June, it's finally that time again: Decision-makers in the fields of electricity, electronics, and software in cars will meet in Ludwigsburg for the Automobil-Elektronik Kongress, the annual networking event of the industry. Sabine Synkule
“The future belongs to a holistic UX/UI concept” As Product Experience Director Europe at NIO, Benjamin Steinmetz contributed to the 2025 Automotive Software Strategies Conference in Munich. We took the opportunity to speak with him and ask three key questions. Benjamin Müller
What Drives Battery Development in Germany Battery technology is entering a new era: In the strategies of German players, topics such as higher energy density, 800V, battery recycling, re-use, and data passports dominate. What are the next steps? Find the answers here. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
What’s ahead at Charging & Battery ASEAN 2025? As Southeast Asia positions itself as a future EV growth region, Bangkok will host the 4th Charging & Battery ASEAN Conference from June 17–18, 2025. With a speaker lineup spanning OEMs, suppliers, energy strategists, and tech innovators, the event covers the full EV value chain. 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
