Occupant monitoring systems (OMS) are becoming a game-changer in the automotive industry for safety and user experience. These systems are not just about detecting who is in the car; they combine 2D cameras with 3D depth sensors to deliver precise occupant tracking. With AI, they assess driver distraction by monitoring eye movements and head positions, giving real-time insights into whether a driver is paying attention or not. Edge computing takes this a step further, processing data on the spot...

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation as it shifts toward electrification and sustainability. Among the innovations driving this change are in-wheel electric motors, which offer a unique approach to vehicle design and performance. These systems integrate the motor directly within the wheel hub, potentially simplifying vehicle architecture by minimizing the need for traditional components, such as transmissions and driveshafts. This design not only aims to simplify ma...

Steer-by-wire (SbW) systems are a modern approach in automotive steering technology that replace traditional mechanical connections with electronic controls. This system utilizes sensors and actuators to manage steering inputs, allowing for precise control without the need for physical linkages. SbW systems offer several advantages, including the ability to adjust the steering ratio based on driving conditions, which can enhance maneuverability in urban settings and stability at higher speeds. ...

The emergence of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) is transforming the automotive industry by integrating advanced technologies, enhancing connectivity, and redefining the relationships between original equipment manufacturers and suppliers. SDVs leverage software to provide enhanced driving automation and improved user experiences, facilitated by advanced driver assistance systems and innovative vehicle interiors. The increasing reliance on data sharing between OEMs and suppliers is paramount, a...

Suppliers are increasingly exploring solid-state batteries (SSBs) as a potential solution for the automotive industry, particularly as manufacturers seek to enhance the performance and safety of electric vehicles. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, SSBs use solid electrolytes, which have several advantages, including improved energy density, greater safety and longer life cycles. However, while these benefits are promising, the technology is still in the devel...

According to S&P Global Mobility, the average age of cars and light trucks in the United States is now 12.6 years, and software obsolescence is a pressing challenge for Original Equipment Manufacturers. To stay competitive in the software-defined vehicle landscape, OEMs must ensure their vehicles are future-proof; this means designing telematics control units (TCUs) that easily upgrade from 4G to 5G and incorporate satellite communications for high-bandwidth, low-latency connections. Over...

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being integrated into the automotive industry, primarily to enhance product development through advanced simulation techniques. The shift from physical testing to numerical simulations has led to substantial time and cost savings. However, this transition has created new bottlenecks, particularly with the running times of complex simulations, such as crash tests, computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis. These simulations can take hours or ...

The Nissan Qashqai, launched in 2007, set off a trend for compact-crossover SUVs, leading to a surge in direct competitors in Europe. This review focuses on the interior technologies and materials used in the third-generation model's face-lifted interior. Like its predecessors, the styling of the new Qashqai was directed by Nissan Design Europe, based in Paddington, London, while engineering was led by the Nissan Technical Centre Europe, in Cranfield, UK.      &n...

Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd., (GWM) is a Chinese vehicle manufacturer based in Baoding, Hebei Province. GWM is a global intelligent technology company, whose business includes vehicle and parts design, R&D, production, sales and service. Its brands include HAVAL, WEY, ORA, TANK and GWM Pickup. We spoke to Wu Huixiao, chief technology officer of GWM. (Image source: GWM) Key takeaways: Challenges: User demand for smart cars is growing, prompting Great Wall Motor to enhance user...

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation through the integration of AI technologies. AI is being leveraged to enhance various aspects of vehicle performance, safety and user experience. One of the most prominent applications is in the development of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which utilize machine learning algorithms to improve safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and collision avoidance. These systems analyze vast amo...

The automotive industry is increasingly using artificial intelligence to enhance various aspects of vehicle design, production and user experience. AI technologies are proving essential in streamlining processes, improving safety and enabling new business models, ultimately shaping the future of mobility. One of the most significant applications of AI in automotive design is in simulation processes. Traditionally, simulations can take days to complete, but AI-driven tools are reducing this ti...

The automotive industry is increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and improve customer experiences. Manufacturers are using AI for supply chain optimization, predictive analytics, and safety enhancements in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). AI is also transforming customer interactions through personalized services and intelligent virtual assistants, while predictive maintenance helps ensure timely vehicle servicing. As the industry faces challenges like r...

The automotive industry is experiencing a profound transformation as it increasingly integrates AI into its operations, fundamentally altering how manufacturers engage with consumers and streamline processes. This shift is not merely about enhancing efficiency; it reflects a broader strategy to redefine the mobility landscape in response to evolving market demands. AI technologies are being deployed across various dimensions of the automotive sector, from supply chain optimization to predicti...

In 2024, the global automotive industry faced several challenges. Tariffs and trade barriers imposed by various countries on Chinese new-energy vehicles (NEVs) have disrupted market access and intensified competition. To navigate these challenges, companies are prioritizing innovation and quality. Advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and autonomous driving features, are becoming essential for standing out in a crowded market. Automakers are investing in smart technology, enhanc...

S&P Global Mobility’s Matthew Beecham has engaged senior executives from 42 suppliers in the automotive supply chain for an end-of-year interview initiative. This initiative seeks to gather valuable insights into the challenges faced in 2024 and the strategies being formulated for 2025, prioritizing genuine experiences over elaborate strategies. This report is the final volume in a four-part series. The key discussion points include the challenges faced by automotive suppliers in 2024, ...

S&P Global Mobility’s Matthew Beecham has engaged senior executives from 42 suppliers in the automotive supply chain for an end-of-year interview initiative. This initiative seeks to gather valuable insights into the challenges faced in 2024 and the strategies being formulated for 2025, prioritizing genuine experiences over elaborate strategies. This report is the third of four volumes. The key discussion points include the challenges faced by automotive suppliers, including increased r...

S&P Global Mobility’s Matthew Beecham has engaged senior executives from 42 suppliers in the automotive supply chain for an end-of-year interview initiative. This initiative seeks to gather valuable insights into the challenges faced in 2024 and the strategies being formulated for 2025, prioritizing genuine experiences over elaborate strategies. This report is the second of four volumes. The key discussion points include ongoing supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and regulatory ...

KPIT is an Indian-headquartered company best described as a software integrator solely focused on automotive. Its 13,000 employees provide services, solutions and products on a worldwide basis. KPIT is supporting six original equipment manufacturers in North America, Europe and Japan in its software-defined vehicle (SDV) journey from defining the electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture to the development of domains such as advanced driver assistance systems, powertrain and connected vehicles. W...

S&P Global Mobility's Matthew Beecham has engaged senior executives from 42 suppliers in the automotive supply chain for an end-of-year interview initiative. This initiative seeks to gather valuable insights on the challenges faced in 2024 and the strategies being formulated for 2025, prioritizing genuine experiences over elaborate strategies. This report is the first of four volumes published in late 2024. Key discussion points encompass significant trends impacting suppliers, such as sh...

The automotive industry is increasingly focused on reducing vehicle weight to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and comply with stringent regulations. Steel, a primary material in vehicle construction, plays a pivotal role in this lightweighting trend. The shift toward lighter vehicles is driven by regulatory frameworks such as the EU's CO2 emissions targets, which mandate a reduction in average fleet emissions to 93.6 g/km by 2025, and the UK's zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate, whi...

Stellantis is a global automotive leader formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group, encompassing 14 brands such as Jeep, Peugeot and RAM. The company focuses on electrification, connected technologies and operational efficiency, aiming for a sustainable future while addressing diverse consumer needs across major markets. The original equipment manufacturer is committed to achieving a 100% zero-emission lineup in Europe by 2030, focusing on affordability and technological innovatio...

As regulatory pressures to reduce emissions intensify, manufacturers are increasingly turning to aluminum to boost fuel efficiency. Vehicles made from aluminum can weigh up to 50 percent less than their steel counterparts, leading to significant reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This lightweighting trend aligns with global regulatory frameworks designed to lower carbon footprints, including the European Union's strict CO2 emissions targets and the US Corporate Avera...

As the automotive industry grapples with stringent emissions regulations and growing demand for sustainability, the use of aluminum in vehicle manufacturing has emerged as a pivotal trend. This lightweight metal, known for its strength and durability, is increasingly being adopted by automakers to reduce vehicle weight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and lowering carbon footprints. Regulatory frameworks, particularly in Europe and North America, are driving manufacturers to rethink their m...

Battery swapping is an approach in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, featuring two solutions: full battery swaps and modular systems. Full swaps allow for battery replacement at stations, providing convenience but requiring infrastructure investment. Modular systems enable drivers to add battery packs for longer trips, offering flexibility and reduced vehicle weight. Both solutions depend on advancements in battery technology and infrastructure to be effective. As the industry evolves, optimiz...

The Genesis GV70 is designed to compete with premium SUVs like the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3. It also offers a variety of trim packages and customizable options, making it appealing to a wide range of buyers seeking both comfort and performance in a luxury vehicle. We take a closer look inside. The cabin radiates luxury with its quilted leather seats and a meticulously crafted dashboard featuring elegant, layered designs. It accommodates five passengers comfortably, with adjustabl...

The Nissan X-Trail is a popular sport utility vehicle (SUV) that balances functionality and comfort. We delve into its interior design, infotainment system, connectivity features, luggage capacity, cabin versatility, and interview Alex Edmond, Qashqai & X-Trail product section manager at Nissan Motor (GB) Limited. Interior design and comfort The interior layout is straightforward, with controls positioned for easy access. While the materials used throughout the cabin are generally of g...

The automotive industry is increasingly adopting diverse materials to achieve lightweighting, crucial for enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Traditional materials like steel are being complemented or replaced by advanced high-strength steels, aluminum, composites and magnesium. Advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) allows for thinner sections without compromising strength, enabling manufacturers to reduce weight while maintaining safety and structural integrity. Aluminum, known f...

The automotive industry is increasingly turning to sustainable materials, particularly advanced polymers and composites, to achieve lightweighting and enhance vehicle efficiency. Lightweight vehicles contribute to fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Advanced polymers, such as bio-based plastics and thermoplastics, offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials, while composites, which combine materials like carbon fiber with resins, provide strength without the weigh...

Lightweighting in the automotive industry is a pivotal strategy aimed at enhancing vehicle performance, efficiency and sustainability. As the demand for alternative and future mobility concepts grows, polymers emerge as key enablers, offering design flexibility and integration capabilities for advanced applications such as autonomous driving technologies. However, the transition to alternative materials raises critical considerations, including reliability, safety and the challenges of recycling...

The software-defined vehicle (SDV) is a new buzz phrase in the car industry. It refers to vehicles that can enhance their capabilities through software updates, eliminating the need for physical part replacements. SDVs use software to govern operations, incorporate new features, and facilitate the integration of novel functionalities. This concept marks an advancement in the automotive industry, laying the foundation for autonomous driving and vehicle connectivity technologies. To learn more,...

Four-dimensional (4D) imaging radar is a key technology for autonomous driving, providing real-time and accurate information about the surrounding environment. To learn more, we spoke to executives from Aptiv. Four-dimensional imaging radar is an emerging key technology for autonomous driving, providing real time and accurate insights into the surrounding environment. It complements other sensors such as cameras and is used in conjunction with these in the automotive industry. The 4D imaging ...

A digital twin (DT) is a virtual replica of a physical asset that uses real-world data and models to improve operations and aid in decision-making. It incorporates real-time and historical data, as well as engineering, simulation and machine learning models. By creating a digital twin, the automotive industry can gain insights into the performance and behavior of physical assets, optimize operations and make more informed decisions. The use of DTs in the automotive industry is expected to bec...

The emergence of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) represents a seismic shift in the automotive industry and the broader mobility ecosystem. SDVs go beyond being traditional vehicles and function as platforms for connectivity, data generation, personalization and monetization. They have the potential to disrupt established business models, drive innovation and reshape our perception of vehicles. SDVs have implications that extend beyond the automotive sector, impacting public transportation, city...

A digital twin (DT) is a virtual replica of a physical asset that uses real-world data and models to improve operations and aid in decision-making. It incorporates real-time and historical data, as well as engineering, simulation and machine-learning models. By creating a DT, the automotive industry can gain insights into the performance and behavior of physical assets, optimize operations and make more informed decisions. The use of DTs in the automotive industry should become more widesprea...

A digital twin (DT) is a virtual replica of a physical asset that uses real-world data and models to improve operations and aid in decision-making. It incorporates real-time and historical data, as well as engineering, simulation and machine learning models. By creating a digital twin, the automotive industry can gain insights into the performance and behavior of physical assets, optimize operations and make more informed decisions. The use of DTs in the automotive industry is expected to bec...

A digital twin (DT) is a virtual replica of a physical asset that uses real-world data and models to improve operations and aid in decision-making. It incorporates real-time and historical data, as well as engineering, simulation, and machine learning models. By creating a digital twin, the automotive industry can gain insights into the performance and behavior of physical assets, optimize operations and make more informed decisions. The use of DTs in the automotive industry is expected to be...

A digital twin (DT) is a virtual replica of a physical asset that uses real-world data and models to improve operations and aid in decision-making. It incorporates real-time and historical data, as well as engineering, simulation, and machine learning models. By creating a digital twin, the automotive industry can gain insights into the performance and behavior of physical assets, optimize operations and make more informed decisions. The use of DTs in the automotive industry is expected to be...

A digital twin (DT) is a virtual replica of a physical asset that uses real-world data and models to improve operations and aid in decision-making. It incorporates real-time and historical data, as well as engineering, simulation, and machine learning models. By creating a digital twin, the automotive industry can gain insights into the performance and behavior of physical assets, optimize operations and make more informed decisions. The use of DTs in the automotive industry is expected to be...

The software-defined vehicle (SDV) is a new buzz phrase in the car industry. It refers to vehicles that can enhance their capabilities through software updates, eliminating the need for physical part replacements. SDVs use software to govern operations, incorporate new features, and facilitate the integration of novel functionalities. This concept marks an advancement in the automotive industry, laying the foundation for autonomous driving and vehicle connectivity technologies. To learn more,...

Key takeaways: Collaboration between the technology and automotive industries is paramount for mutual learning and advancement. In the next 5-10 years, the ability to learn quickly and effectively from each other will be the key to success. It is not a competition, but a collaborative effort to leverage strengths and drive innovation. Large language models have the potential to revolutionize the automotive industry by enhancing the driving experience and improving productivity for automa...

Key takeaways: The shift to centralized computing is disrupting the business models of many players in the industry, including tier 1 suppliers who are now considering licensing software to car manufacturers for use on the centralized computer. This change in mindset and business approach within the industry has been noticeable over the past three years. Stellantis has made the decision to insource a significant portion of its software development to increase efficiency and have greater ...

Solar car parks are gaining popularity as they provide power generation and protection for vehicles. Demand for these car parks, often located near hospitals, shopping centers and offices, has grown in the UK. Businesses are increasingly adopting on-site renewable energy solutions to reduce electricity costs, making solar car parks an attractive option. To gain more insights into this trend, we interviewed Mark Potter, chief technical officer of 3ti. Key takeaways: 3ti’s mini pop-up s...

Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) govern operations, integrate new features and facilitate the addition of novel functionalities through software. This advancement in the automotive industry is paving the way for autonomous driving and vehicle connectivity technologies. SDVs are evolving through the separation of software and hardware development, similar to smartphones. Original equipment manufacturers are creating "walled gardens" for applications, which involve continuous agile software dev...

Mainland China's complex road systems, megacities, dense populations, and unique traffic behaviors present challenges for autonomous driving technology development. However, the country also offers rich scenarios, abundant data, and numerous rare and unexpected corner cases that are crucial for the safe and effective evolution of autonomous driving. The Gen-X demographic in mainland China, a significant portion of whom plan to purchase cars with Level 2+ driver assistance functions, provides ide...

Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) use software to govern operations, incorporate new features and facilitate the integration of novel functionalities. This concept marks an advancement in the automotive industry, laying the foundation for autonomous driving and vehicle connectivity technologies. The evolution of SDVs entails separating software and hardware development, such as smartphones. Original equipment manufacturers are establishing “walled gardens” for applications. This shift enco...