According to foreign media reports, 11 auto and technology companies, including Volkswagen Group, BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz, have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop and share advanced automotive software platforms to counter the growing dominance of the United States in the field of technology and regain control of the digital architecture of future cars.
Image source: Volkswagen Group
The initiative launched by the 11 companies is supported by the German automotive industry lobby association (VDA), which aims to reduce rising R&D costs and promote innovation by building a shared, open-source core software stack. It is reported that the software stack will be available for various brands. “Together, we are building a robust software ecosystem for the future, open, transparent and secure,” VDA General Manager Marcus Bolli said in a statement. ”
In addition to automakers, the founding members of the initiative include suppliers Bosch, Continental,ZFand Valeo, as well as software companies ETAX, Qorix and Vector. The companies plan to deliver the core software stack by 2026, and the first vehicles based on the platform are expected to begin mass production in 2030.
The software stack is designed to be brand independent and invisible to end users, while also being differentiated through modular add-ons such as infotainment systems or driver-assistance features, the report said. In addition, the source code for the software stack will be released as an open source project, managed by the Eclipse Foundation, and developed on top of the existing S-Core project. Businesses can choose to use the entire platform or just some of its functional components depending on their needs. According to the VDA, the full adoption of the entire system architecture will bring the most significant cost and efficiency benefits.
Magnus Östberg, chief software officer of Mercedes-Benz, said in a statement: “As co-creators of the automotive open ecosystem, we are actively promoting the future of automotive software through a ‘code first’ strategy. Open standards are the foundation of our innovation strength. ”
Although the alliance was initially focused on VDA member companies, other companies are welcome to join. According to foreign media reports, the alliance has begun negotiations with the French automobile association PFA.
BoschThe company’s CEO, Stefan Hartung, warned last week that if relevant regulations in Europe hinder the development of artificial intelligence technology, it will pose huge risks. AI technology is considered a crucial technology in automotive software development as well as vehicle design and manufacturing. Bosch plans to invest another 2.5 billion euros (about $2.9 billion) in artificial intelligence by the end of 2027.
