Infineon is boosting competitiveness in the rapidly changing automotive landscape by introducing the new AURIX TC4 microcontroller, an essential building block for software-defined vehicle architectures and is making significant investments in low-level driver software and partnerships.

At CES 2023, Sony unveiled the prototype of its first vehicle, Afeela, which was built with a software-first mindset in collaboration with partners such as Elektrobit. In an interview with Wards, Siggi Dirr explains Elektrobit's role in designing software for Afeela and how working on a software-defined project differs from traditional vehicle software design.

With the advance of the software-defined vehicle, OEM focus is shifting from the number of vehicles sold to how to continue to monetize them by perpetually improving their features and functions. Nevertheless, despite optimistic views around the new revenue opportunities, the definition of SDV is still elusive, and so is the path to transforming vehicles into software devices. Maite Bezerra will shed light on the concept of SDVs and explore the evolution of vehicle electric/electronic and software architectures, vertical integration, the challenges automakers face in updating their model lineups, and how SDVs will affect the automotive ecosystem.

The definition of the software-defined vehicle (SDV) remains in flux, with stakeholders having different interpretations, criteria and expectations. Wards Intelligence defines SDVs as vehicles in which features and functions are enabled primarily or entirely through software. This enables lifecycle management and the delivery of new functionalities over the air (OTA). SDVs offer the flexibility to change key functions and even the nature of hardware through software. Convenience, security, safety, driving performance, and connectivity-related features can be added, altered or upgraded OTA at any time throughout the lifespan of the vehicle. This tracker presents the differences between Semi-SDV and SDV, relationship between SDV and BEVs, and SDVs offered by traditional vs start up manufacturers. 

Mercedes-Benz detailed its highly anticipated next-generation operating system, MBOS, in a two-hour presentation showcasing its deep understanding of software-defined vehicles. But despite Mercedes’ best efforts, Google’s dramatic U-turn in automotive strategy grabbed most of the attention. 

Software-defined vehicles are revolutionizing the auto industry, but with so many elements to consider, it is vital to know where to focus. Wards Intelligence surveyed automakers and other auto industry players to determine the most critical factors.