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„A change with enormous opportunities“ – Interview on the CAR IT Symposium 2025

Theresa Ley,

The CAR IT Symposium 2025 takes place in Ingolstadt as a cooperation between CAR Center Automotive and VAIVA. In an interview with Dirk Wollschläger, Director Center Automotive Research and Ole Harms, CEO of VAIVA, we shed light on the technical innovations in the automotive industry and how they are changing software development.

The latest vehicles are increasingly defined by their built-in software and the use of innovative digital technologies. What does this change mean for both the automotive industry as a whole and for technology companies that specialize in software development?

DW: For consumers today, the car is more than just a means of transportation. They expect more innovative functions and services in and around their cars. To meet or exceed these expectations, OEMs need to become more efficient and flexible and bring new software-based features and services to market faster. They need to compete with tech companies that have a higher level of software excellence.

OH: The trend towards software-defined vehicles (SDVs) is fundamentally revolutionizing the automotive industry. Vehicles are increasingly characterized by digital functions and software updates. This means that they can be continuously improved and new functions added without having to replace physical components. This is also changing the value chain, as software is now becoming a key differentiator and competitive factor.

For software-focused technology companies like us, this change brings enormous opportunities. We see ourselves as a strategic partner to the automotive industry and contribute the necessary expertise in the field of software development, for example in dealing with cloud systems or AI integration. Be it in the form of tools, in the implementation of efficient processes or in the realization of functions.

Not only coding, testing and simulation are crucial. Cybersecurity is also becoming increasingly important in this context. How can this be taken into account?

DW: Cybersecurity is still not a high enough priority for many companies. The Global Automotive Cybersecurity Report 2024 from Upstream points to the deep and dark web activities associated with the automotive industry and the mobility sector, which have increased by 156% compared to 2022. We are currently seeing increasing availability risks for e-vehicles and charging infrastructure.

OH: With the increasing connectivity and digitalization of vehicles, the importance of cybersecurity is growing dramatically every day. Modern vehicles are connected to the internet via various interfaces and exchange data in real time with cloud systems, other vehicles and smart infrastructure. This connectivity naturally makes them more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Cybersecurity must therefore be built into the software architecture from the outset – so-called “security by design”. As Dirk has already explained, we do not yet see sufficient focus here.

All development phases, from coding to simulation, must be carried out under the premise of identifying and closing potential security gaps at an early stage. Specific technologies such as encryption, firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be integrated into the vehicle, while continuous security updates must be ensured through OTA updates. Training developers in current cybersecurity standards also plays an important role here. All in all, this is also a topic in which we want to advise and support our customers.

One aspect that no one can currently ignore is GenAI. What is important when using it in software development and are there specific challenges that arise when using it in the automotive sector?

DW: Artificial Intelligence is already being used throughout the entire life cycle of the automotive industry, from the development phase through testing and production to after-sales or marketing. But overall, we are only at the beginning of the industrial use of artificial intelligence in the automotive industry. The data, whether it is compiled from vehicle and infrastructure sensors, from production lines or from customer feedback, is crucial. Those who have done the appropriate groundwork here by setting up integrated data structures (‘There is no AI without IA’) have a clear advantage. In future, companies will have to provide their developers with a comprehensive ecosystem of AI algorithms, models and modern development tools so that they can use AI efficiently.

Clearly, GenAI will significantly change traditional software development.

OH: Generative AI (GenAI) is of course the trending topic of our time, which also holds huge potential in automotive software development. GenAI – e.g. based on vertically specialized LLMs (Large Language Models) – will automate and optimize the development of software in the near future, for example by generating and maintaining code, performing simulations or making data-based decisions. In applications related to autonomous driving or personalized driving experiences, great progress is being made through the use of artificial intelligence.

In my view, one of the biggest challenges lies in the safety and – demonstrable – reliability of these technologies. As vehicles have to meet high safety requirements, it is essential that the solutions created by GenAI can be validated and secured in an appropriate manner. It must also be ensured that the solutions generated meet the regulatory requirements. The industry still has a lot of work to do in this area.

Technological progress means always being up to date in order to create high-quality, state-of-the-art solutions. What does it mean in this context to bring together experts and specialists – even across different sectors?

DW: Generative AI, data science, machine learning, neural networks, text mining – all of these technologies have been used in the IT industry for years. Interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration will become increasingly important.

OH: am convinced that the increasing complexity of vehicle software and the intertwining of different technologies make it essential to bring together experts from different sectors. Collaboration with experts and partners from IT, artificial intelligence, telecommunications and the electronics industry is crucial to creating innovative solutions.

Only this melting pot of knowledge and best practices – embedded in the right organizational model – leads to fast and efficient development cycles. This also includes cross-industry alliances that make it possible to integrate the latest technologies into automotive development. We are also very active in this area with our own products, for example. This interdisciplinary networking is the key to maintaining our technological lead and creating truly innovative, high-quality solutions.

CAR Center Automotive is cooperating with VAIVA for the first time for the IT Symposium 2025. How did this come about and what characterizes this cooperation?

DW: One of the major challenges facing the automotive industry is the development of automated and even autonomous vehicles and the associated gradual transfer (L1-L5) of safety-relevant decisions to the vehicle itself.

In order to meet our own high standards for the CAR Institute events, we have decided to join forces with partners who have the expertise to take the events to the ‘next level’.

VAIVA has been developing innovative driver assistance and safety systems for years, which are already installed in millions of vehicles worldwide. Ole Harms, CEO of VAIVA, took part in this year’s CAR IT Symposium in Stuttgart with several team members and gave us very good feedback on the event, as well as suggestions as to where we can improve even further. This gave rise to the idea of organizing the CAR IT Symposium 2025 together with VAIVA as a cooperation partner.

As Ole and I have known each other for several years from various events and panel discussions, I’m really looking forward to working with him and his team!

OH: The setting, the quality of the presentations, the presentation stands and the space for networking with relevant experts from our industry – we were very impressed by all of this at this year’s CAR IT Symposium in Stuttgart. The offer to host the next event – at one of Volkswagen AG’s most important locations, in Ingolstadt – together with the experienced team from the Center Automotive Research was a great honor for us and we gladly accepted. Together, we want to bring our respective strengths and convictions to bear in order to put on a truly exceptional event.

What are your hopes for the IT Symposium 2025?

DW: Interested, active participants, interesting presentations and open panel discussions with in-depth content. OH: I hope that participants leave the event with a smile and the good feeling that they have learned something, made exciting new contacts and reactivated existing ones and, above all, that they have made good use of their time, especially in these challenging times.