Alex Oyler’s Post

Interesting benchmarking report here from SBD Automotive on the OTA capabilities across automotive OEMs. Next generation automotive-grade OTA capabilities such as those found in Mender should be considered for speed, automation, scaling, security and robustness.

Cheers to our team and specifically the report authors Amit S. and Archisman D.. The report doesn't only cover the OTA updateable models, it actually uncovers the various secrets behind it. Some brands have demonstrated the capability to update multiple vehicle domains (digital cockpit, powertrain, ADAS, cabin), some push updates more frequently than others and some only have 'claimed' capability without any actual significant activity. The addition of ranking is an extra layer of insights on how automakers are positioned and what should be their next logical step in order to move higher up in the rankings. Watch out for this quarterly update as things are moving rather quickly in the OTA segment!!!

🔍 Reshaping the Interaction between Automakers and Car Owners through On-Demand-Features 🔍 　　 #Tesla has introduced a new long-range RWD version of the #ModelY while discontinuing the cheapest Model Y configuration. However, Tesla revealed that the discontinued base Model Y has some range locked by #software, which can be #unlocked through #payment to increase its potential range. 　　 This software locking feature in #electric #vehicles allows automakers to offer different ranges using the same hardware. In the future of #SDV, #Carota envisions that this #OnDemandFeature will bring more innovation and convenience. Through this #subscription service, automakers can also offer customers more #customized options, transitioning from the traditional model of relying on #accessories and #aftersales #service for profit to forming a longer-term, stronger #trust #relationship with car owners. 　　 Learn how #OnDemandFeatures and #InCar #Subscriptions reshape the automotive ecosystem🚗🚛🏍️ https://lnkd.in/g-5vpS57 　　 #Mustknowmonday #Carota #SoftwareDefinedVehicles

It is not the combustion engine that will determine the future of the automotive industry, but the software. «Legacy carmakers have struggled to keep pace as the focus has turned from the engine to computing power» 1️⃣ Lagging Behind: Legacy carmakers like Toyota and Volkswagen are falling behind Tesla and Chinese rivals in developing critical software for electric vehicles. 2️⃣ Digital Performance: Only Ford, GM, and BMW from the traditional carmakers made it to the top 10 in Gartner’s digital automaker index, dominated by Tesla, Rivian, and Chinese companies like Nio and BYD. 3️⃣ Challenges: Companies like Volvo and Renault face significant challenges in transitioning to software-defined vehicles, including delays and the need for new skills and talent. 4️⃣ Revenue Potential: Despite the difficulties, the potential for software to generate significant revenue is high, with projections of digital services expanding to $3.5 trillion by 2040. «The annual “digital automaker index” underlines how large players in the industry, including Volkswagen and Toyota, have struggled to keep pace with the changes, where the focus has turned from superior engines to software that will control everything from batteries and safety features to self-driving technology and connectivity.»

𝐒𝐃𝐕 (or the lack of SDV) 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐯𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬? This is what an article from Forbes implies, referring to data mentioned during a conference about SDV. "NHTSA data: nearly as many vehicles have been recalled since 2019 as the 138 years prior to that." Let's look into the details. Several car makers were mentioned to be affected by recalls, such as Ford, Stellantis, and Tesla. Hold on 'Tesla' ? Doesn't Tesla have advanced Over-the-Air solutions built into all it's cars since the beginning? Why can Tesla then be affected by recalls? There was now information given how many of these recalls were hardware-related and can only be fixed at a workshop vs. recalls that are software-only, or may be fixed with a software update. Without this background such statements create a wrong impression that the lack of software quality is the culprit for recalls. Clearly: software quality needs to be improved and concepts of SDV can help a lot. The actual conclusion in the article was that SDV with OTA can help avoid recalls. OTA is essential to deliver bug fixes or new software functions, but OTA is not a means to fix hardware or mechanical issues of vehicles.

Five Key Facts About Toyota's New Approach to Electric Vehicle Production  Follow me for more technical data :https://lnkd.in/evN3jc94 Toyota has faced several challenges in its journey towards electric vehicle (EV) production, but recent developments indicate a significant transformation under CEO Koji Sato. Here are five key facts about Toyota's latest efforts in the EV market:  1. Overcoming Initial Setbacks: Toyota's first modern electric car, the bZ4X, encountered significant issues, from wheels falling off to recalls. Despite these challenges, Toyota is committed to revamping its EV strategy and challenging industry leaders like Tesla.  2. Lean Manufacturing Expertise: Leveraging its renowned lean manufacturing expertise, Toyota has introduced a new production line resembling Tesla's Giga Press. This includes new die casting technology that reduces mold changeover time from 24 hours to just 20 minutes, potentially boosting efficiency by 20%.  3. Modular Production: Toyota is embracing modular subassembly production, allowing operators to work on large vehicle sections concurrently. This approach increases efficiency and contrasts with Tesla's unboxed process. Additionally, Toyota's new self-propelled production lines reduce the need for conveyor belts, enhancing flexibility and reducing costs.  4. Technological Advancements: Toyota is incorporating advanced technologies into its EVs, including the DiSus electric-powered body control suspension system and bidirectional charging capability. These innovations are designed to enhance vehicle performance and user experience, particularly for features like powering other vehicles and electronic devices during camping trips.  5. Strategic Shift and Market Focus: With plans to ramp up EV production to 600,000 units per year by 2025, Toyota is making a significant shift to align with the growing market demand for electric vehicles. However, the company faces challenges in meeting consumer preferences and adapting to the rapidly changing automotive landscape. Upgrading its software and hardware to meet modern consumer expectations will be crucial for Toyota's competitiveness. #ElectricVehicles  #Toyota  #Innovation  #LeanManufacturing  #Technology  #Sustainability  #AutomotiveIndustry

It's so interesting to watch these traditional automakers struggling to evolve. Will they survive another decade? VAG's Joint Venture with Rivian was a stroke of brilliance. What will MB do? Better bust a move or you'll go the way of the dinosaurs, Mercedes! "Traditionally, manufacturers of internal combustion vehicles have struggled to develop expertise in electronic and electrical architectures. However, the automotive industry’s shift toward electrification and intelligent technology now demands centralized architectures, where a single control center coordinates functions across wheels, chassis, and other components. In contrast, legacy automakers have long relied on distributed architectures, with suppliers providing discrete controllers for specific functions, thereby minimizing the need for in-house software development." https://lnkd.in/gs6jxzrK

https://lnkd.in/gWrzVJee Recently, Ford Motor Company announced it is abandoning its goal of achieving full #electrification of European models by 2030, and several multinational automakers have successively announced they will abandon or adjust their previous #electricvehicle development goals. Read on the #ES website above. Write your thoughts below. What do you think?

The #automotive industry is a global web of companies producing thousands of parts requiring significant investment every time an automaker launches a new product. But in recent years, automakers have put such investments in overdrive with self-driving and electric vehicles. R&D costs and Capital Spending for the top 25 companies have increased 33% from 2015 to 2023. #AutomotiveSupplyChain #AutomotiveIndustry #ElectricVehicles

Ford T3 in the work As the electric vehicle revolution continues to transform the automotive landscape, Ford is gearing up to take its truck lineup into the future with an all-new electric model codenamed "Project T3." This next-generation electric truck promises to build upon the success of the F-150 Lightning while pushing the boundaries of capability and technology. According to the search results, Project T3 - which stands for "Trust The Truck" - is Ford's response to the growing competition in the electric truck segment. While the F-150 Lightning was a groundbreaking first step, Ford recognizes that newer, ground-up electric trucks from rivals like GM and Stellantis will soon surpass it in terms of range, performance, and overall capability. To stay ahead of the curve, Ford is reportedly developing a modular electric vehicle platform that could underpin the Project T3 truck. Patent filings uncovered by Road & Track suggest this new platform will feature a centrally-mounted battery pack, along with plug-and-play electric motor and suspension components. This modular approach should allow Ford to easily adapt the platform to accommodate different wheelbases and body styles. While details on the Project T3 truck's specific powertrain and performance figures remain scarce, the search results indicate it will likely receive some form of F-Series branding. This would help leverage the iconic nameplate's reputation for capability and durability while positioning the new electric model as a true successor to Ford's long-running line of gas-powered pickup trucks. As Ford CEO Jim Farley has stated, the automaker is committed to ensuring it doesn't get "caught flat-footed" by the competition in the electric truck space. With Project T3, Ford appears poised to deliver a no-compromise electric pickup that can match or exceed the capabilities of its rivals, all while maintaining the rugged, dependable character that has defined the F-Series for generations. Of course, we'll have to wait for more official details from Ford to fully understand what the Project T3 electric truck will bring to the table. But based on the information available, it's clear that Ford is taking a strategic and forward-thinking approach to electrifying its truck lineup - a move that is sure to have a significant impact on the rapidly evolving EV market.