Germany’s leading automotive manufacturers and suppliers have signed a new partnership in order not to leave their software power in the automotive sector to technology giants. 11 major companies such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Bosch, Continental and ZF Friedrichshafen have reached an agreement to create an open source software platform.
German automotive companies are designing software against Google
This structure, which will be coordinated by the German Automobile Association (VDA), aims to provide a standard basis for manufacturers by jointly developing the basic components of automotive software. VDA General Manager Marcus Bollig stated that a significant portion of vehicle software cannot be directly noticed by the user, and therefore does not create a distinguishing effect among manufacturers.
The initiative is not limited to VDA members only. It is stated that countries and companies active in the automotive sector such as Europe, China and the USA can also be included in this open source software platform. Thus, it is aimed to establish a software cooperation network on a global scale.
Volkswagen Group in particular has been on the agenda in recent years with the problems it has experienced in software integration and infrastructure transformation. The new platform aims to overcome such problems with a joint effort at a sectoral level.
Google, on the other hand, is already working with brands such as Volvo, Renault, Ford, General Motors and Mitsubishi with its Android Automotive OS and Google Automotive Services solutions. While services such as Google Maps, Assistant and Play Store are directly integrated into vehicle systems, it largely retains control of the in-car digital experience.
The new software partnership established by German manufacturers aims to reduce this external dependency and strengthen the European-centered digital vehicle architecture. So what do you think about this? You can share your views with us in the comments section below.
