The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) unveiled the expanded collaboration at the CES technology showcase in Las Vegas. The initiative reflects a growing trend among manufacturers and suppliers to harness artificial intelligence and software solutions as a means of revitalising an industry burdened by slow progress and escalating expenses.

New participants include European automotive group Stellantis, commercial vehicle producer Traton, German engineering specialist Schaeffler, and semiconductor giants Infineon and Qualcomm. They join established names such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, increasing the number of signatories from 11 last year to 32.

According to the VDA, the project is designed to cut development and maintenance efforts by up to 40 per cent and accelerate time-to-market by as much as 30 per cent.

Mike Milinkovich, Executive Director of the Eclipse Foundation, which co-organises the initiative, commented: “The growing engagement in this effort underscores a global shift towards open innovation within the automotive sector.”