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.”
As fuel prices continue to climb across South Africa, many motorists are beginning to question whether owning a car still makes financial sense. With in-land petrol prices now at R26.63 a litre and diesel costs rising sharply in May, transport expenses are placing growing pressure on household budgets.
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.
Two new off-grid, solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) have been switched on as part of the Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) network.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
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.
Margins are shrinking, customers are under financial strain, and competition is intensifying across South Africa’s motor retail sector. Against this backdrop, dealerships are being forced to rethink how they remain profitable while still building customer trust and long term sustainability.
Ford will launch seven new models in Europe by 2029, it announced recently, as it seeks to grow its flagging passenger car sales, fend off fierce competition from Chinese rivals and maintain an edge in the continent's commercial vehicle market.
