Over thirty firms from across the automotive supply chain have joined forces to advance open-source software development, aiming to create next-generation vehicles while driving down costs, Germany’s leading industry association announced recently.
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.”
Hyundai Automotive South Africa officially opened Hyundai Midrand, a new dealership aimed at strengthening the brand’s presence in Gauteng and responding to growing customer demand in one of the province’s fastest-growing commercial corridors.
The compact SUV market in South Africa has gained a new contender with the arrival of the GAC Emzoom Nova. It joins the existing Emzoom Executive and Emzoom R‑Style models, broadening the range offered by Salvador Caetano South Africa, the official distributor of GAC Motor.
Chinese vehicle brand Changan has strengthened its South African retail presence with the opening of a new flagship dealership in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, as the company pushes ahead with plans to establish about 45 dealerships nationally during 2026.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
A South African dealership has been instructed to remove or amend an advertisement for a new Jetour T2 after the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) ruled that the listing created the impression that a specific vehicle was immediately available for purchase when it was not.
If you were hoping to experience the roaring streets of the Isle of Man TT in 2026, you are already too late. This event, with practice sessions starting on 25 May 2026 and racing commencing on the 30th, requires at least six to twelve months of planning, along with a substantial budget.
Pinewood.AI has added two new embedded modules to its Business Intelligence Solution, giving dealers and OEMs greater insight into financial performance and the customer journey, it says.
