“Zonal architectures can significantly reduce harness complexity” Interview with Manoj Singh, Forvia Hella Benjamin Müller
“Active cooling becomes relevant when thermal limits constrain performance” Interview with Markus Leitner, GG Group Benjamin Müller
Porsche creates technology unit for software and engineering German luxury goes digital Benjamin Müller
Engineering transformation 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 15 October 2026
Industrial AI Schneider Electric to buy PTC for $22.6 billion Schneider Electric plans to acquire US software company PTC for $22.6 billion, extending its industrial software stack from operations into engineering and product lifecycle data. The deal could also strengthen the data foundation for automotive AI and digital-thread applications. Ronja Schmiedchen 8 October 2026
Interview with Dr Rajkiran Tiwari, YTC America “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 1 October 2026
UK research project 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 9 October 2026
AI driving architecture 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 7 October 2026
German-British ADAS partnership 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 2 October 2026
Shrinking the optical package 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 18 September 2026
ADAS learns from the road 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 16 September 2026
EV route planning 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 14 September 2026
Interview with Eric Link, Siemens Industry Software “Fast charging and its infrastructure will be crucial in Europe” Battery development is becoming more complex as OEMs balance performance, safety, ageing and charging requirements. Eric Link of Siemens Industry Software explains how 3D, 1D and AI methods can be combined in simulation workflows. Benjamin Müller 19 October 2026
Interview with Fabian Schöffel, MAN Truck & Bus “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 12 October 2026
Interview with Antonia Stephenson, Cox Automotive “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 6 October 2026
Interview with Niall Berkery, Neumo “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 2 September 2026
ADAS and UX road test 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 31 August 2026
Interview with Michael Bantel, Hella Innenleuchten-Systeme “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 29 August 2026
