German car manufacturers combine forces: Allianz against Google started!

Deutsche Autobauer, darunter VW und BMW, bündeln Kräfte in Ludwigsburg zur Entwicklung offener Fahrzeugsoftware bis 2026.
German carmakers, including VW and BMW, bundle forces in Ludwigsburg for the development of open vehicle software by 2026. (Symbolbild/NAGW)

German car manufacturers combine forces: Allianz against Google started!

In the middle of the digital upheaval, a group of leading German automobile manufacturers founds an unexpected alliance to stand up to the superiority of the US technology groups, especially Google. However, what is behind it is much more than just a reaction to the current market situation. The companies VW, BMW and Mercedes have teamed up to better master the challenges of modern vehicles that are increasingly becoming complex computer systems. As Merkur , eleven well-known companies, including Bosch, Continental and ZF Friedrichshafen, have cooperation at an automotive electronics congress in Ludwigsburg announced.

The basis of this initiative is the approach to promote software development together and on an open source basis. For example, a common basic software for autonomous timetables should be available for all members by 2026. The project is initiated and pursues several goals by the Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA): the reduction of costs, time expenditure and the creation of synergies within the automotive industry.

from vision to reality

There is special attention to the development of an open, certifiable software stack for the software-defined vehicle (SDV). The initiative relies on non-differentiating software components that have no direct effects on the customer experience, but are of central importance for industry. How ecomento , software development is carried out as part of the ECLIPSE Foundation and the S-Core project. This model is intended to help minimize the development effort and at the same time to comply with high quality and security standards.

A central point of the alliance is the code-first approach, which promotes the development of directly operational software instead of long specifications. The goal is clear: The automotive industry wants to make itself more independent of external software providers and create its own transparent software ecosystem that offers large corporations like Google's forehead. The companies represented in the Alliance can set their own priorities, but do not have to use all software modules.

A look into the future

The roadmap for this ambitious project stipulates that the first basic structure is available by the end of 2024 and that initial implementations are to be realized by the end of 2025. At the latest in 2030, the Allianz plans to launch the first series vehicle with a fully integrated open source software stack. As Electrive , there is a particular focus on the certifiable software in accordance with ISO 26262, to ensure functional security.

The automotive industry sees itself under pressure through the highly complex requirements and technology change. Especially with the delay of electric vehicles, such as those occurring in Porsche and Audi in recent years, it is clear how important this alliance is. The partner companies are open to further cooperation to establish a global network for open automotive software.

This initiative could not only strengthen the competitiveness of German automobile manufacturers, but also set a new standard for the entire industry. The digital change is in full swing - and this alliance could be the key to successfully positioning itself in an increasingly software -powered market.

Details
OrtLudwigsburg, Deutschland
Quellen