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.
The infrastructure behind electric mobility At ChargeTec 2026 in Munich, grid operators, carmakers and start-ups will discuss how grid integration, storage technologies and new business models could reshape EV charging infrastructure. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
What to expect at the Mobility + AI Conference 2026 On 14 and 15 April 2026, the Mobility + AI Conference takes place in Munich. Across eight core themes, the event explores the intersection of technology, safety and regulation – from AI-driven automated driving and robotaxis to autonomous logistics, validation, cybersecurity and SDV architectures. Benjamin Müller
Ready Ride: the next step towards the connected motorcycle Motorcycles have long lagged behind cars in digital development. Harman’s new Ready Ride platform combines telematics, cloud connectivity and OTA updates — but could it turn bikes into true software devices?
“ADAS is the primary domain to benefit from virtualization at scale” As SDVs push software complexity and validation demands to new levels, development speed becomes a critical bottleneck. Ford’s Cedric Armand explains how virtualization reshapes software delivery, testing and system integration. Benjamin Müller
“Chiplet architectures can solve real performance, yield and cost challenges” As SDVs increase demand for advanced compute, automotive faces growing pressure from global semiconductor constraints. Imec’s Jim Foresi explains how chiplet architectures and open standards can enable scalable vehicle platforms. Benjamin Müller
“The key is to measure user value rather than output” As cars evolve into connected ecosystems spanning home, office and mobility, delivering consistent user experiences across platforms becomes a strategic challenge. Design executive Wolfgang Bremer explains how scalable UX and operating models will shape customer-centric mobility. Benjamin Müller
48 V instead of 12 V: DC/DC converters in focus of the SDV The vehicle of tomorrow integrates multiple voltage levels. 12 V, 48 V as well as 400- and 800-volt systems increase the complexity of the electrical architecture. Haris Muhedinovic and Andreas Wisser from Vicor explain the role DC/DC converters play in this context. Alfred Vollmer
Edge computing as a building block of modern vehicle architectures Edge computing is moving to the centre of vehicle IT. With new industry blueprints and growing data demands, the architecture of connected vehicles is shifting. An overview of technologies, key players and open architectural questions. Ronja Schmiedchen
“Welding aluminium requires experience and tight process controls” How can aluminium be used consistently in LV and HV contact systems without compromising reliability? One Mobility’s Thomas Lorenz explains where aluminium already wins – and where engineering discipline remains critical. Benjamin Müller
What to expect at the Bordnetzkongress 2026 On 5–6 May 2026 in Ludwigsburg, the Bordnetzkongress (Automotive Wire Harness & EDS Conference) brings together OEMs, suppliers and industry experts to address next-generation EDS architectures, high-voltage safety, automated harness production and scalable vehicle platforms. Benjamin Müller
Google opens AI centre in Berlin Google has opened a new AI centre in Berlin and plans to invest €5.5 billion in Germany. The new hub aims to connect research, politics and industry – and could also have far-reaching implications for the country’s automotive sector. Benjamin Müller
What challenges will the wiring harness industry face over the next five years? Which challenges will shape the wiring harness and EDS industry most strongly over the next five years? Four experts – all speakers at the 2026 Bordnetzkongress in Germany – provide surprisingly different answers. Benjamin Müller
What to expect at the Automotive Software Strategies Conference 2026 On 19 and 20 May 2026, the Automotive Software Strategies Conference returns to Munich. Industry experts from OEMs, suppliers and technology partners will examine how SDVs, AI-driven development and new software architectures are reshaping the automotive industry. Benjamin Müller
Lamborghini expands its gaming ecosystem Lamborghini expands its gaming ecosystem by launching the Fast ForWorld experience in Fortnite, creating an immersive branded environment aimed at younger audiences. The initiative marks a new stage in the OEM’s digital engagement strategy. Benjamin Müller
Mercedes GLE and GLS receive Superscreen and new software The new electric Mercedes GLC is currently stealing the spotlight. But GLE and GLS are not stepping aside just yet. The large SUVs are receiving a major update with a redesigned cockpit, new software and revised combustion engines. Thomas Geiger
Volvo rolls out OTA update for 2.5 million vehicles Volvo is preparing its largest over-the-air update to date: around 2.5 million vehicles will receive an updated user interface with faster access to navigation, media and driving modes. The update also prepares vehicles for new AI-based functions. Benjamin Müller
What to expect at the 360°UX Mobility Conference 2026 On 13 May 2026 in Munich, the 360°UX Mobility Conference brings together OEMs, suppliers and UX experts to explore how AI, smart ecosystems and cross-domain collaboration are redefining automotive user experience across the entire customer journey. Benjamin Müller
“The first impact will be visible in SDV program acceleration” The EU–India trade agreement could significantly accelerate software development for European OEMs. Indian software and engineering specialist KPIT, with a strong presence in Europe, assesses the implications. Where the greatest leverage lies is explored in this interview. Dr. Martin Large
“AI model inputs can be tagged to VSS signal names upfront” Scaling edge AI across vehicle platforms remains a complex challenge. From compute constraints and legacy architectures to abstraction and toolchains, Steve Stoddard, Principal Product Manager AI at Sonatus, explains where scalability breaks down and what OEMs must prioritise next. Benjamin Müller
Infineon prioritises AI and SDVs in 2026 Infineon enters fiscal year 2026 with stable quarterly figures while strategically sharpening its focus on AI data centres, software-defined vehicles and physical AI. The shift requires substantial investment. Dr. Martin Large
“AI makes diligence affordable” AI-driven tools are reshaping embedded automotive development – not by replacing engineers, but by accelerating testing, validation and review workflows. Felix Martin, Research Engineer at Tasking, explains where AI already adds value and where safety-critical limits remain. Benjamin Müller
These Infineon chips power BMW’s Neue Klasse With the iX3, BMW launches the Neue Klasse and a new E/E architecture. Four central computers consolidate vehicle functions, powered by Infineon Aurix microcontrollers, Ethernet components and digital fuses. Dr. Martin Large
Daimler Truck adopts the AI platform LibreChat As one of the first DAX-listed companies, Daimler Truck is making the open-source solution LibreChat, developed jointly with AWS, available to employees worldwide to unlock the potential of artificial intelligence. Götz Fuchslocher
“The system has to be accurate and hyper-continuously available” As vehicles become increasingly software-defined and automated functions demand continuous reliability, localisation systems face new expectations for resilience and continuity. In this interview, Brett Harrison, Co-Founder and President of Tern, explains why legacy positioning concepts are no longer sufficient. Benjamin Müller
What to expect at the Automotive Computing Conference 2026 On 24 and 25 March 2026, the Automotive Computing Conference returns to Detroit. Industry experts from OEMs, suppliers and technology partners will discuss how SDVs, AI, virtualisation and new computing architectures are reshaping the automotive industry. Benjamin Müller
Trusted Tech Alliance aims to set standards for digital ecosystems The newly founded Trusted Tech Alliance (TTA) seeks to establish common principles for transparency, security and responsible technology development. For an increasingly digital automotive industry, the initiative could become strategically significant. Benjamin Müller
Why agentic AI exposes legacy systems Agentic AI is widely regarded as the next evolutionary step in artificial intelligence. Yet according to a recent Cognizant study, most IT landscapes are not prepared. Technical debt, legacy systems and rigid budget structures are increasingly becoming strategic liabilities. Ronja Schmiedchen
Hydrogen mobility: What will determine success now Hydrogen mobility appears technically close to series production, yet its economic viability remains fragile. Between subsidies, TCO and infrastructure gaps, five interlinked factors will determine large-scale adoption – and the most decisive one is currently the most expensive. Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
Arrow supports next-generation E/E architectures With a new strategic initiative and a dedicated information platform, Arrow Electronics aims to support the transition towards SDVs. OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers are set to benefit from engineering services, technical expertise and a resilient supply chain. Jessica Mouchegh
Why in-car gaming is more than entertainment As 2026 unfolds, in-car gaming is emerging as a proving ground for SDVs, exposing which OEMs can translate digital architecture into tangible user experiences. This overview examines how different manufacturers approach gaming as a platform feature, cloud service or architectural showcase. Ronja Schmiedchen
China bans hidden car door handles China is drawing a line: for safety reasons, the country will ban hidden and deployable door handles from 2027. Vehicle doors must be mechanically operable from both inside and outside. Manufacturers will be required to retrofit affected models by 2029. Benjamin Müller
“Flexibility comes from modularity and decoupling” As electrification accelerates and software becomes central to vehicle identity, EV development is shifting from component-led optimisation to integrated, systems-level engineering. In this interview, Sharath Reddy from Magna explains why this transition is redefining EV platforms. Benjamin Müller
Why vehicle connectivity is often expensive and opaque Connectivity comes at a price. Drivers who use connected services in their cars are increasingly being charged, often without clear information on costs, durations or long-term implications. Holger Holzer
Are quantum computers the future of the automotive industry? Quantum computing promises a major leap forward for industry and science when it comes to solving highly complex problems. But how do quantum computers actually work – and how could they advance the automotive industry in practice? Götz Fuchslocher
Infineon and HL Klemove deepen SDV cooperation Infineon and HL Klemove are expanding their partnership to accelerate software-defined vehicle architectures. Joint work on zonal electronics, radar and in-vehicle networking aims to support next-generation automated driving platforms. Diemut Baldauf
Why 2026 could mark a turning point for software-defined vehicles 2026 will be a reality check for software-defined vehicles. Martin Schleicher, Eclipse SDV Ambassador, sees the industry at a turning point: success will no longer be defined by vision, but by the ability to deliver software reliably. Dr. Martin Large
GlobalLogic and Elektrobit strengthen SDV platforms GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group company, has announced a strategic expansion of its long-standing partnership with Elektrobit. The extended alliance aims to accelerate the development and market adoption of next generation SDV platforms. Jessica Mouchegh
How far does the new S-Class software update go? Mercedes-Benz has updated the S-Class with a clear focus on software. MB.OS, over-the-air updates and AI-based functions are intended to modernise the flagship. The decisive question is how far this transformation goes beyond incremental digital refinement. Ronja Schmiedchen
Forvia Hella enters strategic development partnership with ADI Forvia Hella and Analog Devices (ADI) are jointly developing a configurable electronic fuse solution designed to simplify vehicle power distribution. The system is expected to enter series production in 2028 as part of next-generation zonal architectures. Jessica Mouchegh
The New Realities of Automotive Software Development There are moments in an industry’s evolution when longstanding engineering practices suddenly feel insufficient, even to those who helped define them. Automotive software development is experiencing such a moment today. Andreas Lifvendahl
How the vehicle cockpit is being redefined in 2026 From projected interfaces to AI-driven assistance: at the start of 2026, automakers and suppliers are showing how the vehicle cockpit is evolving into a more software-centric and user-focused environment. Ronja Schmiedchen
What decision-makers need to know about Rust As SDVs raise demands for safety and speed, Rust is gaining traction in automotive software. The language promises fewer defects, strong security guarantees and growing relevance for OEM development strategies. Daniela Hoffmann
The new EX60 brings Volvo’s software plans to life With the EX60, Volvo brings its vision of software-defined mobility onto the road for the first time. The all-electric SUV combines a central computing architecture, AI-powered infotainment and over-the-air updates in a production vehicle. Ronja Schmiedchen
Harman expands “Ready” portfolio for in-cabin systems Harman is extending its “Ready” portfolio with new software, audio, display and safety solutions for the vehicle interior. The aim is to simplify integration, reduce development effort and support digital in-cabin functions over the vehicle lifecycle. Ronja Schmiedchen
When charging stations become part of the firewall EV charging points could evolve from simple energy suppliers into active security nodes. Integrated into vehicle security architectures, they may help detect and stop cyberattacks long before threats reach the car or backend systems. Chris Löwer
Transformation at China Speed In September 2025, Continental’s automotive division was spun off and listed on the stock exchange under the new name Aumovio. We spoke with Nino Romano, CTO at Aumovio, about the reasons behind the spin-off, the new opportunities it creates, China Speed, SDVs, autonomous driving, and much more. ADT editorial team
Pony.ai and BAIC BJEV are scaling autonomous taxi fleets Pony.ai and BAIC BJEV are intensifying their cooperation to accelerate the rollout of Level-4 robotaxis. At the centre of the strategy is the Arcfox Alpha T5, designed for large-scale deployment in China and selected international markets. ADT editorial team
The Next Phase of Automotive Software Reliability Today’s automobiles rely on millions of lines of code distributed across embedded systems that control braking, battery management, connectivity, and advanced driver-assistance features. Ensuring the reliability of this software is a critical priority. Caroline Guillaume
VDA and Eclipse Foundation expand SDV software ecosystem The Eclipse Foundation and Germany’s automotive industry association VDA are significantly expanding their open-source ecosystem for SDVs. Their S-CORE initiative aims to create a shared software foundation that reduces development effort and shortens time to market. ADT editorial team
Hyundai Mobis and Qualcomm partner on SDV platforms Hyundai Mobis and Qualcomm have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at developing future-ready SDV architectures and advanced driver assistance systems. The partnership targets scalable solutions for fast-growing automotive markets. ADT editorial team
Harman strengthens ADAS position with ZF acquisition Harman is acquiring ZF’s ADAS business, reinforcing its position in centralised vehicle architectures and software-defined vehicles. The move expands Harman’s automotive portfolio with compute platforms, sensors and advanced driver assistance software. ADT editorial team
“A new mobility system will emerge” In connected-car innovation, Chinese OEMs are increasingly setting the pace – and the traditional automotive world has much to learn. CAM-Expert Stefan Bratzel explains why autonomous driving is becoming the decisive success factor. ADT editorial team
Why digital infrastructure is becoming the backbone of future mobility A recent study by Digital Realty highlights how data centres, cloud architectures and real-time processing are turning into critical success factors for the automotive industry. Insights from 215 executives show where the sector stands — and where the real bottlenecks lie. ADT editorial team
“Our goal must be to end up with a single-digit number of ERP systems” Since January 2025, Thomas Buck has been CIO at ZF, driving the German company’s IT transformation with a fresh perspective. In the following interview, he explains how he is reshaping IT, what challenges lie ahead, and why architecture plays a decisive role. Pascal Nagel
Micron launches Automotive-UFS-4.1 Micron launches Automotive-UFS-4.1 with data rates of up to 4.2 GB/s, targeting the growing performance demands of AI-driven, connected and software-defined vehicle systems. ADT editorial team
“S-CORE is the blueprint – we build the actual structure” As open-source architectures move into the core of software-defined vehicles, Eclipse S-CORE aims to deliver the first near-series middleware standard for the industry. In the interview, Dr Nico Hartmann, CTO at Qorix, explains how far the implementation has already progressed — and what comes next. ADT editorial team
Infineon and Lenovo expand SDV computing partnership Infineon and Lenovo are expanding their collaboration to support high-performance computing platforms for software-defined vehicles. The joint approach targets autonomous driving from Level 2 to Level 4. Benjamin Müller
Mercedes-Benz updates MBUX Mercedes-Benz is rolling out a fresh update package for its third-generation MBUX system, adding retro games, Dolby Atmos audio and direct Teams call integration. ADT editorial team
Percepio partners with BMW to boost software performance Percepio and BMW are joining forces to improve real-time software performance in next-generation vehicles. The Swedish software developer provides key insights that support scalability, reliability, and faster development of Software-Defined Vehicles. Benjamin Müller
“Multimodal design must follow a less-is-more philosophy” As audio-driven interfaces expand in next-gen cabins, lighting must stay precise, safe and tightly synchronised. Hanna Lukashevich from Fraunhofer IDMT explains how audio-reactive lighting evolves into robust, multimodal interior systems. Benjamin Müller
Secor introduces a standardised, software-configurable chip Munich-based start-up Secor has brought its SDV concept into a production vehicle for the first time, using a standardised chip that rethinks in-car electronics. Early indicators on development speed and cost point in a clear direction. ADT editorial team
Aumovio and SAP forge cloud alliance Aumovio is moving its SAP landscape into the cloud through a strategic collaboration with the provider. The transformation aims to deliver greater flexibility, faster update cycles and a modern digital backbone for the company’s next growth phase. ADT editorial team
“Continuous pipelines have become business-critical” As the shift toward software-defined mobility accelerates, OEMs face rising pressure across computing architectures, supply chains, and organizational models. Heinz Schmitz from GreenRock explains where the industry stands – and what companies must fix to keep pace. Benjamin Müller
VW gains full end-to-end development capability in China Volkswagen has expanded its Hefei operations into a full development hub, enabling the German company to design, test and validate the next generation of connected vehicles entirely within China — and at the speed the local market demands. ADT editorial team
How IT solutions help carmakers accelerate transformation From connected factories to cloud-driven vehicle development: digital tools and services have become a foundational element of the automotive industry. Here’s how new IT solutions help manufacturers boost efficiency, reduce risks and accelerate innovation. ADT editorial team
Parkopedia and Hyundai AutoEver launch indoor navigation solution Parkopedia and Hyundai AutoEver have introduced Europe’s first seamless in-car indoor navigation system. It guides vehicles to precise parking bays or charging points — without GPS. This innovation could simplify mobility in dense city settings. ADT editorial team
When the car picks up the bill As mobility becomes more digital, tokenisation offers new ways to manage payments, component histories and vehicle identities. German manufacturers are now testing blockchain to bring these concepts into real operations. ADT editorial team
Sponsored “Engineering and IT need to communicate effectively to successfully manage the shift” In this interview, Richard Rovner and Udo Gohier explain how MathWorks supports automakers and suppliers in successfully navigating the cultural and technological transformation toward the Software-Defined Vehicle. Yannick Tiedemann
“Chiplet-based designs enable scalability and performance” As SDV development accelerates worldwide, regional strategies diverge sharply. Hanno Wolff from Synopsys explains how global ecosystems, semiconductor innovation, and early co-design shape the next generation of automotive computing. Benjamin Müller
Siemens and Saicec accelerate SDV chip validation Siemens and Saicec plan to speed up the validation of automotive chips by applying advanced digital-twin technology. Their joint approach targets faster certification cycles and more reliable system-level testing. ADT editorial team
Polestar plans full rollout of Google Gemini across its line-up Polestar and Google have unveiled the new Gemini AI assistant inside the Polestar 5. The system promises more natural in-car conversations and will be introduced step by step across all Polestar models from 2026 onwards. ADT editorial team
“The biggest barriers are mindset and organizational structure” As the shift toward hyperscale platforms accelerates, legacy automotive structures face an existential test. NXP’s Houssem Ghanmi explains how OEMs can move from adaptation to reinvention in the software-defined era. Benjamin Müller
Chinese brands force Europe to rethink its strategy Chinese manufacturers now set the pace in connected-car innovation, yet German OEMs still hold important advantages. The decisive question will be how quickly they can convert these strengths into competitive progress. ADT editorial team
Lidar Sensors in Autonomous Driving As vehicles become more automated, they must sense and interpret the world with extraordinary precision. Lidar has emerged as one of the most capable tools for this task. This article explores the technology and its growing importance. ADT editorial team
VW and Rivian advance zonal SDV architecture Volkswagen and Rivian report major progress on their new zonal SDV architecture. First reference vehicles are ready for winter testing in 2026, with the ID.Every1 set to launch in 2027 as the first model using the platform. ADT editorial team
“Memory solutions also enable lower power consumption” As multimodal AI turns cars into data centers on wheels, memory and storage become critical. Chris Jacobs from Micron explains how new DRAM and flash architectures deliver the bandwidth, latency, and reliability needed for real-time in-vehicle AI. Benjamin Müller
Customer benefit must be the focus On the journey from hardware-centred vehicles to software-defined mobility solutions, companies need not only the right technology but also a culture of exchange on an equal footing. Götz Fuchslocher
“Performance simulation and predictive analysis play a critical role” Balancing performance and functional safety remains one of the toughest challenges in automotive computing. Mercedes-Benz expert Deepak Vedha Raj Sudhakar explains how model-based simulation optimizes SoC design and accelerates ADAS integration. Benjamin Müller
IT and engineering must speak the same language Development and IT must collaborate more closely than ever on software-defined vehicles. External partners and their expertise are equally important aspects, experts emphasise at the automotiveIT car.summit. Götz Fuchslocher
“Driving simulators have emerged as indispensable development tools” As vehicles become more software-defined, advanced virtualization and driver-in-the-loop simulation are transforming how new functions are developed and validated. BMW’s Dr Chantal Himmels and Robert Siwy discuss how human-centered simulation accelerates innovation and ensures safety. Benjamin Müller
Navigating the software-defined vehicle revolution The software-defined vehicle (SDV) is transforming how the automotive industry creates value. OEMs and suppliers must adapt their strategies and development processes to meet new demands for quality, safety, and security. Changjiang Duan Rafael Taubinger
“We see a strong trend toward open-source solutions” As budgets tighten across the automotive industry, reaching “SDV Level 5” requires smarter architectures, selective transformation, and collaboration. Dr Moritz Neukirchner of Elektrobit explains how this can be achieved. Benjamin Müller
Infineon and partners present supercomputing platform 28 partners from industry and research have developed a central supercomputing platform for cars with Mannheim-CeCaS. The 'Made in Germany' demonstrator aims to consolidate computing power, reduce complexity, and pave the way for safe autonomous driving. Ronja Schmiedchen
“Greening the supply chain is no longer optional but essential” Zonal architectures and digitalised designs are reshaping automotive wiring systems. In this interview, Karsten Dieckmann from Sumitomo explains how the company is driving automation, sustainability, and scalable E/E integration for tomorrow’s mobility. Benjamin Müller
Pony.ai launches affordable Gen-7 robotaxis Pony.ai has commenced operations of its Gen-7 robotaxis in China. According to the company, the autonomous driving kit of this generation is 70 percent cheaper than before - a step intended to advance the scaling of driverless mobility. Martin Large
“Not everything makes sense to be centralized” Microcontrollers remain vital to automotive innovation. Marco Cassol from Infineon explains how MCUs evolve alongside high-performance SoCs to ensure safety, determinism, and efficiency in software-defined vehicles. Benjamin Müller
Bertrandt presents autonomous shuttle for rural areas Together with the Bern University of Applied Sciences, the engineering service provider has developed the BumbleB shuttle to primarily provide answers to current mobility issues beyond urban areas. Götz Fuchslocher
