In connected car news are CarPlay Ultra, HARMAN, Aeva, LB Tech, Cinemo, Aston Martin, Iteris and ECARX.
HARMAN Open-Sources Connected Services Platform 4 SDVs
HARMAN, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics and a leader in automotive technology, has open-sourced its full connected services platform via the Eclipse Connected Services Platform (ECSP) project. This pioneering move is set to enhance collaboration and modular development in the software-defined vehicle (SDV) space. The platform supports large-scale connected car deployments and provides critical features like secure vehicle-to-cloud connectivity, data ingestion, remote management, and telemetry.
Now publicly available, the platform is already in use by major automakers and fleet operators and marks a milestone for the Eclipse SDV Working Group. HARMAN’s initiative reflects its commitment to open-source innovation and its strategic role in the Eclipse Foundation. The company urges other industry stakeholders to join the effort in advancing open, scalable SDV solutions.
Aeva Secures First Orders for Eve™ 1D Sensors
Aeva® (Nasdaq: AEVA), known for its cutting-edge 4D LiDAR technology, has received initial purchase orders for over 1,000 units of its newly launched Eve™ 1D high-precision sensors. These orders, placed by industry leaders SICK AG and LMI Technologies, mark Aeva’s entry into the $4 billion global laser displacement sensor market and broader industrial automation sector.
Powered by Aeva’s proprietary FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) lidar-on-chip technology (CoreVision™), the Eve 1D sensors offer sub-micron precision over distances from 100 mm to 20 meters. Compact and fully integrated, they are optimized for fast, accurate measurements across various materials and lighting conditions — ideal for high-volume, automated manufacturing processes.
The partnerships with SICK and LMI validate the performance and adaptability of Aeva’s technology for industrial environments. Initial shipments are underway, with full production slated for 2025. This launch signals a major step in Aeva’s mission to revolutionize sensing across sectors beyond automotive.
LB Technology Five-Year Statewide AZ Contract
LB Technology has been awarded a five-year contract extension to provide fleet asset management services to the State of Arizona. This renewal continues its collaboration with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and other state agencies, emphasizing safety, operational efficiency, and innovation. The contract includes the rollout of FleetTrack 2.0, LB Technology’s upgraded platform integrating vehicle telematics, AI-powered safety systems, and real-time analytics. Company leaders highlighted the impact of their technologies on improving fleet visibility and saving lives. ADOT officials reinforced the system’s value in ensuring mission-readiness and accountability across the state fleet.
Burleson, Texas Iteris $1.7 Million Contract
Iteris, Inc., a leader in smart mobility infrastructure and part of Almaviva Group, has secured a $1.7 million contract from the city of Burleson, Texas to implement an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS). The project includes the completed design and construction of a new Traffic Management Center and the installation of Iteris’ state-of-the-art Vantage Apex® hybrid sensors—featuring HD video, 4D radar, and AI-powered vehicle and pedestrian detection. Iteris is also integrating CCTV cameras, communication systems, and overseeing full deployment. The initiative aims to enhance traffic flow, safety, and efficiency across the city.
Cinemo Integrates CarPlay Ultra
Cinemo, a global leader in automotive multimedia solutions, has announced the full integration of Apple’s next-generation CarPlay Ultra through its CORE™ Projection platform. This solution is compatible with any automotive SoC and OS, including Android, Linux, and QNX. Designed to simplify OEM integration, Cinemo’s implementation supports all CarPlay Ultra features across multiple in-vehicle displays—including cluster, center, and HUD screens—while enabling seamless coordination, HVAC control, FM/AM radio, in-vehicle settings, and enhanced Siri voice commands. CEO Richard Lesser noted that CarPlay Ultra is poised to become standard in new vehicles, and Cinemo is proud to help accelerate the industry’s shift.
ECARX Unveils RISC-V-Based EXP01 Processor,
ECARX Holdings Inc. introduced its first RISC-V-based processor, EXP01, at the RISC-V Summit Europe 2025 in Paris. Designed with a dual-core safety architecture and certified to ISO 26262 ASIL-D, EXP01 supports critical vehicle functions like ADAS and intelligent cockpit systems. The company also revealed its roadmap for a next-generation automotive-grade MCU built to ISO 26262 ASIL-B standards, aimed at intelligent cockpit and body-domain control. ECARX deepened collaborations with RISC-V ecosystem players, including StarFive Technology, to accelerate adoption of open-architecture solutions. CEO Ziyu Shen highlighted the EXP01 as a pivotal step in delivering customizable, cost-efficient computing platforms that support global automakers in the shift toward intelligent mobility.
Aston Martin Becomes First Automaker to Debut Apple’s CarPlay Ultra
Aston Martin has become the first car manufacturer globally to launch Apple’s CarPlay Ultra, a next-generation, deeply integrated version of Apple’s in-car software platform. Debuting on the DBX and Aston Martin’s core sportscar lineup, the system is available as standard on all new orders in the U.S. and Canada and will be offered as a software update for existing compatible vehicles.
CarPlay Ultra enhances the user experience by extending across the infotainment touchscreen and instrument cluster, allowing full customization of dials, displays, and widgets, as well as integrated control over vehicle functions like climate and media. The system also retains essential physical controls in Aston Martin’s bespoke cabin architecture for ease of use.
Developed in close collaboration with Apple, CarPlay Ultra is tailored to Aston Martin’s design ethos, with aesthetic themes and layout options that align with the brand’s luxury identity. CEO Adrian Hallmark described the launch as a continuation of Aston Martin’s commitment to innovation and best-in-class technology integration.
The rollout marks a significant milestone in digital cockpit advancement, with global market availability expected within a year.