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From steel to softwa
Automotive manufacturers and automakers are undergoing one of the most transformative shifts in its history , fueled by the rapid rise of software-defined vehicles ( SDVs ). This evolution is revolutionizing the design , development , and manufacturing of cars , unleashing unprecedented opportunities for innovation , efficiency , and improved customer experience . To understand the magnitude of this shift , it is essential to trace its origins and explore the timeline that has led the industry towards software-defined vehicles .
Historically , vehicles were simply a way to transport people from one location to another . Innovation in the automotive sector was largely hardware driven , focused on enhancing the performance and reliability of engines , powertrains , and vehicle bodies .
Over time , customer demand for increased comfort and convenience led to the introduction of various electronic components , starting with basic amenities like radios and progressing to advanced systems such as Advanced Driver Assistance System ( ADAS ). These electronic devices - many of which developed organically based on consumer needs - gradually became standard across the industry .
Today , a modern vehicle coming off of the line may have as many as 50 distinct electronic modules , interconnected through a network architecture that has evolved over the past few decades . While these electronic control units ( ECUs ) provide enhanced features and capabilities , they also add significant complexity to vehicle engineering and manufacturing . The past two decades saw the introduction of IoT ( Internet of Things ) technology , which gave birth
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