Defining the Software-Defined Future

The Wards Intelligence 2022 software-defined vehicle survey underscores the insights of key players in the industry, emphasizing the pivotal role of SDVs in shaping the future of the automotive industry. 

Software-defined-vehicle platform adoption advances slowly within the automotive industry, reflecting the intricate and profound nature of this transformative shift. In this report, Wards Intelligence delves into the challenges and prospects that lie ahead for the industry, drawing insights from the Wards Intelligence 2023 SDV survey.

Wards Intelligence meticulously evaluated and ranked the advancements of 22 automakers in their transition toward software-defined vehicles, offering a comprehensive snapshot of automakers' existing technical expertise and achievements within the realm of SDVs.

With SDVs, OEMs are required to re-evaluate their supplier ecosystems and forge new relationships that prioritize software-driven models under their control, potentially reducing reliance on Tier 1s and fostering closer connections with Tier 2s. Considering these changes, the future role and competitiveness of Tier 1s in the SDV landscape have been a subject of speculation. Based on a survey conducted by Wards Intelligence, this report assesses their prospects.

Major automakers are moving toward open-source infotainment operating systems, such as Android and Linux, to offer a better in-vehicle user experience. To comprehend the current evolving landscape, Wards Intelligence conducted a survey of the automotive industry to determine which infotainment operating system will be dominant in new vehicles in 2025.

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. 

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.

A recent Wards Intelligence survey finds three key elements driving the ongoing SDV transformation: the timely OTA introduction of new features; more efficient product development; and the enabling of Level 2+ and Level 3 advanced driver-assistance features. Nevertheless, the results suggest that perceived SDV benefits vary significantly according to a company’s position in the automotive value chain.