Eleven major automotive companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together in developing new open-source vehicle software.
The MoU was signed at the 29th International Automotive Electronics Congress and was supported by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). The MoU aims to speed up the time it takes to develop new vehicle software while ensuring high-quality and security for modern vehicles. The MoU arrives as legacy automakers struggle to keep pace with the rapid rise of Chinese automakers. Companies participating in the MoU include BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Continental, Hella, and others.
As the VDA points out, vehicles are becoming more reliant on complex software, however, many of the components of this new vehicle software aren’t visible to the user and don’t directly impact brand identity. As such, these components are ideal for joint development.
By working together in a shared, transparent platform, the German automotive companies hope to build common software components more quickly and with greater reliability.
“The BMW Group believes that integrated ecosystems with open-source platforms and tools are a key driver for the development of mobility solutions,” said BMW Senior Vide President Electronics and Software, Dr. Christoph Grote. “A shared code-first approach will be the foundation for functional innovations in our future products.”
The companies plan to deliver a modular software platform for autonomous driving by 2026. The platform will be adaptable and available to the entire industry. Automakers and suppliers can then focus on building unique features on top of a shared foundation.
The new joint development plans arrive as legacy automakers come to grips with the rapid rise of Chinese automakers. As GM Authority covered previously, Chinese companies have introduced a vast swath of new models, frequently opting to lean on software simulations over real-world testing before launching a new model.
Meanwhile, GM seems intent on being the master of its own digital destiny, announcing development plans for its own next-gen vehicle software platform while opening a new technical center in Mountain View, California last year.
Comments
Heyyy, I’ve been wanting this exact thing. If it gains momentum, GM will eventually adopt it, but only after wasting a few billion trying to develop its own mediocre software
GM seems to enjoy wasting billions of dollars of others peoples money.
Finally people are taking software in cars seriously, but it’s about 10 years behind.
ugly cars