Top Automotive and Autonomous News from @CES2025: NIVIDIA, BMW, ZF, Qualcomm, LG, aiMotive, Here, Sony Honda Mobility, Bosch, Donut Lab & Quectel

The top automotive stories from CES came from NIVIDIA, BMW, ZF, Qualcomm, LG, aiMotive, Here, Sony Honda Mobility, Bosch, Donut Lab and Quectel.

NVIDIA unveils Alpamayo open-source AI stack for autonomous driving

NVIDIA introduced Alpamayo, an open-source Vision-Language-Action (VLA) AI model family designed to accelerate safe, reasoning-based autonomous vehicle development. Built on a 10-billion-parameter architecture, Alpamayo enables more human-like decision-making for AVs and is paired with AlphaSim, an end-to-end simulation and validation framework. NVIDIA also released over 1,700 hours of global driving data to support training and validation, with companies such as Lucid, JLR, Uber and Berkeley DeepDrive already engaging with the platform for Level 4 autonomy development.

ZF and Qualcomm expand partnership on scalable ADAS compute platform

ZF and Qualcomm announced a joint scalable ADAS solution combining Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride platform with ZF’s ProAI supercomputer. Designed for software-defined vehicles, the platform supports automation up to Level 3 and delivers up to 1,500 TOPS of compute power. Its open, modular architecture enables OEMs to deploy more than 25 ADAS functions—including hands-off Navigate on Autopilot—either as bundled or standalone software, accelerating global ADAS adoption and reuse across vehicle lines.

BMW introduces Neue Klasse platform with AI assistant and sixth-gen eDrive

BMW showcased the BMW iX3 as the first production vehicle on its Neue Klasse platform, which will scale across 40 models by 2027. Highlights include a next-generation AI-powered Intelligent Personal Assistant enhanced with Amazon Alexa+, BMW Operating System X for rich digital experiences, and sixth-generation eDrive technology featuring an 800V architecture, new cylindrical batteries, faster charging and bidirectional energy support. New centralized control units and an automated driving “super brain” enable improved efficiency, driving dynamics and hands-free Level 2 assistance in both city and highway environments.

LG and aiMotive present AI-defined vehicle platform on Snapdragon Cockpit Elite

LG, in partnership with aiMotive and Qualcomm, unveiled an AI-defined vehicle architecture that unifies infotainment and Level 2+ ADAS on the Snapdragon Cockpit Elite HPC platform. The solution integrates LLMs, VLMs and image-generation models into LG’s AI Cabin Platform, supporting advanced personalization and safety features. LG also demonstrated AI-powered mobility displays, automotive vision systems and in-vehicle entertainment using transparent OLED windshield technology, reinforcing its push toward software-centric vehicle platforms.

HERE advances AI-powered maps and expands Hyundai AutoEver partnership

HERE Technologies introduced AI-powered mapping optimized for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride platform, enhancing L2 and L2+ ADAS through lane-level “e-horizon” awareness beyond onboard sensors. The company also expanded its partnership with Hyundai AutoEver to deliver cloud-based, streaming navigation and intelligent cockpit experiences for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles. These solutions support more frequent OTA updates, ADAS-aware routing and personalized UX across key global markets.

Sony Honda Mobility highlights software-first EV strategy with Afeela 1

Sony Honda Mobility revealed the pre-production Afeela 1, underscoring its focus on software, sensors and premium digital experiences. The mid-size EV features a panoramic display, 40+ sensors for ADAS, AI-driven voice interaction powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, and Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Chassis compute. With native PlayStation Remote Play, cloud APIs and an Android-based IVI platform, Afeela 1 positions itself as a continuously upgradable, software-defined premium EV ahead of customer deliveries starting in late 2026.

Uber, Lucid and Nuro reveal production-intent robotaxi

Uber, Lucid Motors and Nuro jointly unveiled a production-intent robotaxi based on the Lucid Gravity SUV. Equipped with lidar, radar and cameras powered by NVIDIA Drive Thor, the vehicle is already undergoing public-road testing and targets a commercial launch in the San Francisco Bay Area in late 2026. Built at Lucid’s Arizona facility, the robotaxi combines a premium interior with an Uber-designed user interface, marking a major step toward scalable autonomous ride-hailing.

Aptiv expands intelligent edge from automotive into robotics

Aptiv showcased next-generation ADAS technologies including Gen 8 radars, PULSE sensors and L2++ autonomy for highway and urban driving. The company also highlighted digital cockpit innovations such as driver and cabin monitoring, face ID and modular Android-based software. Through its LINC platform and partnership with Verizon, Aptiv is exploring 5G-enabled C-V2X and edge computing, while extending its software and hardware capabilities into robotics and aerospace to diversify beyond automotive.

Bosch positions itself at the center of software-defined mobility

Bosch emphasized deep software-hardware integration to enable next-generation software-defined vehicles, projecting €6 billion in automotive software revenue and strong growth in by-wire technologies. The company showcased AI-enabled cockpits with LLM- and vision-based interaction, advanced vehicle motion management to improve comfort and reduce motion sickness, and its seventh-generation radar with enhanced precision. Bosch also announced a partnership with Kodiak AI to develop autonomous platforms for commercial vehicles.

Smart Eye and Alps Alpine debut invisible under-display driver monitoring

Smart Eye and Alps Alpine introduced an under-display driver monitoring system that places the DMS camera behind the instrument cluster display, making it completely invisible to drivers. Using AUO’s advanced under-display camera LCD technology, the solution maintains display quality while enabling robust drowsiness and distraction detection. The integrated system simplifies OEM integration, reduces sensor clutter and supports compliance with emerging global driver monitoring regulations.

Donut Lab launches production-ready all-solid-state battery

Donut Lab announced what it claims is the world’s first production-ready all-solid-state battery, debuting in the 2026 Verge Motorcycles lineup. The battery delivers 400 Wh/kg energy density, enables a full 0–100% charge in five minutes, and supports up to 100,000 charge cycles while operating reliably in extreme temperatures. Its cobalt-free, abundant-material design promises improved safety, sustainability and cost compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Quectel introduces 5G-Advanced AR588MA automotive module

Quectel launched the AR588MA, a 5G-Advanced (3GPP Release 18) automotive module built on MediaTek’s MT2739 platform. The module supports dual-SIM dual-active connectivity, satellite-based NB-NTN and NR-NTN, and GNSS L1+L5 positioning, improving reliability and safety. With support for global emergency call standards and drop-in compatibility, the AR588MA enables faster OEM upgrades to always-on, satellite-ready vehicle connectivity.

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