Mercedes-Benz and Volvo deepen Nvidia partnerships Volvo and Mercedes-Benz are expanding their work with Nvidia as both carmakers push towards more advanced automated driving. The partnerships combine AI software, central computing and safety architectures, but each manufacturer is integrating the technology in a different way. Ronja Schmiedchen
“AI-defined vehicles separate intent from implementation” Cockpits are becoming more intelligent, contextual and personalised as assistants, displays and driver interfaces converge. Mercedes-Benz AI specialist Shivam Bahedia explains what it takes to bring generative AI into production vehicles. Benjamin Müller
Mercedes-Benz puts AI at the heart of vehicle development Mercedes-Benz is building PLM.AI as a digital backbone for vehicle development. Together with Contact Software and Siemens, the OEM is linking engineering, production and aftersales, while AI agents analyse complex trade-offs across functions and could cut development times by up to 30 per cent. Benjamin Müller
How BMW brings agentic AI to the decision table BMW is taking agentic AI beyond routine automation with “Mr. Flexibility”, an assistant combining capacity, cost and production data for procurement decisions. The aim is to answer complex volume questions in minutes and support faster purchasing decisions. Pascal Nagel
“Zonal architectures can significantly reduce harness complexity” Zonal architectures promise leaner wiring, but they also raise the stakes for power distribution and fault handling. Manoj Singh of Forvia Hella explains what fail-operational systems must deliver in future vehicles. Benjamin Müller
Agentic AI exposes governance gaps in vehicle development Agentic AI is moving rapidly into vehicle development, but organisational controls are struggling to keep pace. A Capgemini study finds that almost seven in ten automotive companies already use or pilot the technology, while governance, trust and collaboration remain major gaps. Benjamin Müller
“Active cooling becomes relevant when thermal limits constrain performance” Rising power demand is forcing the wire harness industry to rethink weight, packaging and thermal limits. Markus Leitner, Director Group Product Management & Business Development at GG Group, explains why system-level integration and active cooling are moving into focus. Benjamin Müller
Porsche creates technology unit for software and engineering Porsche Engineering and Porsche Digital will operate as Porsche Technologies from the second quarter of 2027. The new unit will combine vehicle development, software and AI, with around 2,700 employees across nine countries worldwide, serving Porsche and external customers. Benjamin Müller
“Most city bus routes can be electrified without opportunity charging” For electric city buses, battery life, charging infrastructure and operational flexibility are becoming key economic factors. Fabian Schöffel of MAN Truck & Bus explains why larger batteries and overnight charging are becoming key factors. Benjamin Müller
Nissan tests autonomous mobility services in Cambridge Autonomous transport must prove it can work safely and acceptably in real city traffic before wider deployment. Nissan’s ADventure project in Cambridge will test that proposition with local authorities, residents and users while assessing expectations for future driverless services. Ronja Schmiedchen
Valeo to integrate Nissan’s next-generation ProPILOT platform Nissan is developing the next generation of ProPILOT with Valeo and Wayve. As system integrator, Valeo will combine sensors, central compute and software with Wayve’s AI Driver, creating a series-ready architecture for future Nissan vehicles and more advanced assisted driving. Ronja Schmiedchen
“A battery passport shouldn't replace assessment and diagnostics” Battery replacement costs are emerging as a critical factor for used-EV economics, residual values and customer confidence. Antonia Stephenson of Cox Automotive explains why the industry needs a repair-first strategy. Benjamin Müller
Germany passes 209,000 public EV charge points Germany’s public EV charging network continues to expand, but access still varies sharply by region. New Federal Network Agency data shows where charge-point density is highest, how fast the network is growing and where significant rural gaps remain. Benjamin Müller
Mercedes-Benz to bring Wayve AI Driver into production models Mercedes-Benz is taking its collaboration with Wayve towards production. The Wayve AI Driver is due to enter future models within two years, combining the UK company’s data-driven driving intelligence with MB.OS, Mercedes hardware and existing map interfaces for series deployment. Ronja Schmiedchen
“Bamboo injection-moulding scrap can be reused up to five times” After another summer of heat records, the reminder is hard to miss: the wire harness industry needs to reduce its CO2 emissions. Dr Rajkiran Tiwari of YTC America explains where PP/bamboo eco-composites can replace conventional PP materials and what limits remain. Benjamin Müller
Automotive Wire Harness Tech Navigator The wiring harness increasingly determines whether new vehicle architectures work technically, scale economically and remain manageable in series production. Our free-to-download Tech Navigator explains why wiring harnesses, connector systems, power distribution and automation are becoming strategic topics for OEMs and suppliers. Dr. Martin Large
“Agentic AI should not reduce the validation threshold” E/E architectures are becoming more complex as development cycles shrink. Molex’s Sushil Kumar Singh explains how digital twins, virtual validation and agentic AI could move connector validation upstream. Benjamin Müller
Germany’s AI market grows by nearly 50% in 2026 Germany’s AI market is expanding rapidly as companies move from pilots to productive use. Bitkom expects spending on AI software, services and hardware to rise 48% to €28.7 billion in 2026, with generative AI driving much of the growth. Benjamin Müller
“There is no one-size-fits-all model” As E/E architectures consolidate, ECU development must move earlier into virtual environments. STMicroelectronics expert Dr Florian Baumann explains where cloud-based MCU prototyping helps and where physical validation remains essential. Benjamin Müller
Lucid and Bolt target 25,000 Level 4 robotaxis in Europe Europe’s robotaxi market is moving towards larger fleets and more integrated operating models. Lucid and Bolt plan at least 25,000 Level 4 vehicles based on Lucid’s future Midsize platform, with NVIDIA Hyperion as the technical foundation and Bolt taking charge of fleet operations. Benjamin Müller
Forvia Hella develops mirrorless 3D AR head-up display Head-up displays are moving from flat graphics towards spatial interfaces, while packaging remains a key constraint. Forvia Hella and Distance Technologies are developing a mirrorless 3D AR display that places navigation and driving cues into the real-world view with less cockpit installation space. Ronja Schmiedchen
Lidl and Einride bring Level 4 into retail logistics Lidl and Einride are testing a cabless Level 4 electric truck in German retail logistics. The four-month pilot links a distribution centre with a nearby store and explores how autonomous deliveries could be scaled across Lidl’s network. Benjamin Müller
BMW expands image data collection across Europe Real-world driving data is becoming a key input for developing and validating increasingly complex driver-assistance functions. BMW is expanding event-triggered image and sensor collection from consenting customer vehicles in Europe to feed machine-learning development. Ronja Schmiedchen
“Silicone gaskets offer excellent compression set resistance” As EV packs become more integrated, fire protection must be designed around cells, venting and production. Dow Automotive Application Scientist Roman Vanecek explains how silicone materials support safer battery systems Benjamin Müller
Xpeng brings Google Maps to vehicles outside China Xpeng is bringing Google Maps into vehicles sold outside China. The integration keeps the carmaker’s own interface while adding live traffic data, EV route planning and map support for selected driver-assistance functions. Benjamin Müller
Tesla puts Cybercab into passenger service in Austin Tesla is using the Cybercab for passenger service in Austin for the first time. The purpose-built robotaxi has no steering wheel or pedals, with access, ride control and key safety functions organised through the app, touchscreen and physical emergency controls. Ronja Schmiedchen
OTA updates raise new software approval questions A survey by German vehicle inspection and testing organisation Dekra and Ipsos shows growing driver interest in over-the-air updates. Owners value fewer workshop visits, but Dekra says software changes still need independent approval and inspection. Holger Holzer
“Modular tooling increases machine adaptability” Wire harness makers face growing pressure to automate production as vehicle architectures become more complex. Boming Zhu of Linquan Technology explains where design and manufacturing must evolve to close the gap. Benjamin Müller
Waymo and Zoox expand their US robotaxi presence The competition for autonomous ride-hailing is gaining speed in the US. Waymo is opening its robotaxi services in Denver, San Diego and Tampa to initial passengers, while Zoox is expanding its test areas. The United States remains a key pace-setter in the robotaxi market. Benjamin Müller
How automotive computing will shape the next vehicle generation SDVs remain an ambition without the right hardware. At AEK 2026, the focus shifted to the computing foundations of the next vehicle generation – from SoCs and chiplets to edge AI, Ethernet and RISC-V, and to the balance between central performance and distributed control. Dr. Martin Large
“Human-state data will become as strategic as vehicle telemetry” The more vehicles rely on AI and shared control, the more critical the driver’s actual cognitive state becomes. Niall Berkery, CEO and co-founder of Neumo, explains why cognitive-state sensing could become a key input for safer automation. Benjamin Müller
Volvo EX60 review: software and UX find new clarity Volvo’s EX60 is the electric counterpart to its best-selling XC60 and the first model on the dedicated SPA3 platform. A drive around Hamburg shows how central computing, Pilot Assist, Gemini and a cleaner cockpit come together in daily use – and where the software still needs work. Timo Gilgen
“Software-defined control is the key technology” Interior lighting is becoming a functional layer of the vehicle architecture, expected to support safety, orientation and brand differentiation despite tight cost and packaging limits. Michael Bantel of Hella explains what will make that scalable. Benjamin Müller
How researchers want to cut AI’s energy demand As AI moves deeper into vehicles, production and industrial software, its energy demand is becoming a strategic issue. Researchers are developing smaller models and new architectures, while quantum computing could one day make training more efficient. Benjamin Müller
“The biggest challenges arise from platform heterogeneity” Why do SDV programmes struggle to translate ambition into efficient ECU development? Elektrobit’s Jan Rüdiger explains how right-sized workflows and integration-as-code can reduce complexity and improve scalability. Benjamin Müller
Schaeffler and CATL target European EV platforms Schaeffler and CATL are expanding their e-mobility cooperation to develop battery management systems and integrated PowerBox solutions for European carmakers. The agreement combines Schaeffler’s system integration with CATL’s battery scale and cell expertise. Benjamin Müller
How E/E architecture transformation is reshaping the automotive industry The Automotive Wire Harness & EDS Conference 2026 returns to Detroit on 20–21 October. The focus will be on zonal E/E architectures, high-voltage systems, optical connectivity, AI-supported engineering, 3D electrical design and manufacturing automation. Benjamin Müller
How Geely plans to share road safety data in Europe Geely is joining Europe’s Data for Road Safety ecosystem as the first Chinese carmaker in the initiative. The move will allow anonymised hazard data to be shared in real time with infrastructure, emergency services and connected vehicles, while supporting European connected-safety functions. Benjamin Müller
Capgemini Puts AI in Automotive Engineering to the Test Capgemini’s Automotive Engineering and R&D Pulse 2026 shows how far AI has moved beyond pilots. Executives report shorter concept phases, rising productivity gains, higher budget shares and pressure to reorganise engineering. Ronja Schmiedchen
How BMW is using CodeRabbit to govern software development BMW i Ventures is backing CodeRabbit as the carmaker expands its use of AI-assisted code reviews. More than 1,000 BMW software developers already use the platform to check vehicle software, strengthen governance and manage code generated by humans and AI agents more safely at scale. Benjamin Müller
How Power Integrations brings GaN into high-voltage power Power Integrations has extended its PowiGaN technology to 2200 V. The new voltage class is designed to support denser and more efficient power architectures for electric vehicles, AI data centres, solar inverters and HVDC infrastructure. Nicole Ahner
How Pony.ai and Uber plan to scale Robotaxis in Europe Pony.ai and Uber plan to expand their European Robotaxi partnership beyond Zagreb, with more than 2,000 Level 4 vehicles planned for further cities. The model divides technology, platform access and fleet operation between specialised partners and local market operators. Ronja Schmiedchen
Skoda starts production of its Peaq electric SUV Skoda has started series production of the Peaq in Mladá Boleslav. The seven-seat electric SUV uses the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, offers up to 91 kWh of battery capacity and brings bidirectional charging to the brand’s new flagship. Benjamin Müller
What the EU’s new ADDW mandate means for drivers The EU’s new Advanced Driver Distraction Warning rules apply to new cars across the bloc. The systems monitor whether drivers are looking away from the road, raising a key question alongside their safety role: how is in-cabin camera data processed, protected and who, if anyone, can access it? Ulrich Hottelet
Magnus Östberg to leave Mercedes-Benz Magnus Östberg will leave Mercedes-Benz after five years as Chief Software Officer. The Swedish executive built the OEM’s software organisation, led MB.OS and helped bring the CLA as Mercedes-Benz’s first software-defined vehicle into series production. Pascal Nagel
Uber and Wayve secure first robotaxi permit for London Uber and Wayve have secured approval to carry selected passengers in automated vehicles in London. The pilot will start with safety drivers and modified Ford Mustang Mach-E cars, marking another step towards commercial robotaxi services in the UK. Benjamin Müller
Zoox wins approval to charge for driverless rides Zoox has secured a US exemption allowing it to charge passengers for rides in its purpose-built robotaxis. Paid services are due to begin in Las Vegas as the Amazon subsidiary moves from free trials towards commercial scale and intensifies competition with Waymo and Tesla. Benjamin Müller
Joynext and Nextchip develop ADAS platforms Joynext and Nextchip are developing integrated ADAS solutions for global vehicle programmes. Their partnership combines the APACHE6 AI SoC with camera systems, software and system integration, while targeting scalable and cost-efficient platforms for future vehicle architectures. Nicole Ahner
GM improves infotainment controls in selected Cadillac models General Motors is updating selected Cadillac models with simpler media controls, profile-linked seat settings, clearer charging menus and new OTA functions. A redesigned home screen will follow. Ronja Schmiedchen
ZF Lifetec develops seat belt with infrared signature ZF Lifetec has integrated an infrared signature into seat belt webbing so in-cabin cameras can distinguish it from clothing, skin and seat surfaces. The technology is intended to detect incorrect belt routing more precisely and provide better input for occupant safety systems. Ronja Schmiedchen
“High-speed transmission in E/E architectures is unavoidable” As zonal architectures and rising data rates reshape vehicle networks, wiring systems face new demands. Bosch’s Martin Hager and MD Elektronik’s Helmut Pritz explain how high-speed integration and multi-hybrid connectors address them. Benjamin Müller
What to expect at the Automotive Battery Conference 2026 The Automotive Battery Conference returns to Munich on 21 and 22 October 2026. In an environment shaped by technological and regulatory change, the event offers the industry guidance and a view of the battery of the future. Benjamin Müller
Volkswagen uses Horizon AI to accelerate Level 3 driving Volkswagen Group China is expanding its partnership with Horizon Robotics and gaining white-box access to an AI foundation model. The aim is to speed up an in-house stack for Level 3 functions from 2027 and prepare future Level 4 applications for passenger cars and robotaxis. Ronja Schmiedchen
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
UN sets first global rules for autonomous vehicle approval The UN has adopted the first globally aligned technical framework for highly automated and driverless vehicles. OEMs must now prove safety through audits, simulation, track and road testing, while controlling updates and monitoring performance throughout operation. Holger Holzer
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
Volkswagen’s Moia expands its service in Hamburg Selected passengers in Hamburg can now book rides in self-driving ID. Buzz vehicles through the Moia app. The passenger trial marks the move from closed testing to public operation and examines how autonomous on-demand transport can complement buses and trains. Dr. Martin Large
“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
EU tariffs are bringing electric car production to Europe EU tariffs are helping shift electric car production towards Europe and reduce the share of China-built vehicles. The measures are also creating fresh opportunities to expand local battery manufacturing, strengthen supply chains and retain more industrial value in the region. 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-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
Stellantis, Wayve and Uber target global Level 4 Robotaxis Robotaxi deployment is increasingly becoming an ecosystem challenge rather than a standalone technology race. Stellantis, Wayve and Uber are combining vehicle platforms, AI driving software and mobility services to accelerate the commercial rollout of Level 4 autonomous transport. Ronja Schmiedchen
“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 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
Mercedes prepares point-to-point driving for Germany Mercedes wants to bring assisted urban driving to Germany after launches in China and the US. From late 2026, point-to-point navigation should help cars handle dense city traffic with the driver still responsible. 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
Volvo secures exemption for connected vehicles Volvo Cars has received special approval from US authorities to continue importing and selling connected vehicles in the USA. The exemption comes under new security rules restricting the use of certain Chinese and Russian hardware and software in connected cars. 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
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
“Lidar sensors are too expensive for mass adoption” SDVs, AI and LiDAR are set to transform the car. However, the path to scalable platforms is still full of challenges. In this interview, MicroVision CEO Glen De Vos explains where the architecture, value creation and lidar technologies still fall short. 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
