In connected car news are Arrow Electronics, TomTom, AECOM, Honda, Mythic, Ford, GM & Lucid.
In this Article
Arrow Electronics Research Hub for E/E Architecture
Arrow Electronics has launched a strategic initiative and a dedicated research hub to facilitate the transition toward next-generation electrical and electronic architecture. This movement shifts automotive design from decentralized hardware components toward centralized, software-defined mobility platforms. The architecture centralizes computing functions into powerful hubs, potentially reducing internal vehicle wiring by 20 percent and improving energy efficiency. This overhaul is designed to support the lifecycle of software-defined vehicles through streamlined system updates and harmonized operations.
The initiative integrates Arrow’s 2024 acquisitions of iQMine and Avelabs to bolster its Automotive Center of Excellence and software development capabilities in AUTOSAR, functional safety, and cybersecurity. As a solution aggregator, Arrow provides engineering services and supply chain management to assist OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers in managing semiconductor and IP&E component sourcing. The newly established online hub offers technical whitepapers and design tools aimed at reducing time-to-market for complex E/E architectural redesigns while addressing proactive obsolescence planning within the global supply chain.
Infrastructure Analytics Partners-TomTom & AECOM
TomTom (TOM2) and AECOM (NYSE: ACM) have entered a global partnership to integrate high-fidelity location data into infrastructure and mobility planning. AECOM will leverage TomTom’s suite of historical and real-time traffic measures to enhance transport modeling and traffic systems management for public and private sector clients. The collaboration aims to streamline data-driven insights across global operations, utilizing specific toolsets for improved project accuracy and infrastructure ROI.
The integration encompasses TomTom’s Traffic Stats, Origin Destination Analysis, and Historic Traffic Volumes alongside Live Traffic and Junction Analytics. These assets allow AECOM to monitor route performance and optimize traffic flow in response to evolving urbanization and changing travel patterns. By embedding these telematics and probe-based data streams into managed client solutions, the partnership addresses critical policy imperatives regarding safety, mobility efficiency, and the advancement of autonomous and connected vehicle technologies.
Honda Invests in Mythic SDV Analog AI Chips
Honda Motor Co. has announced a strategic investment in Texas-based Mythic to co-develop analog system-on-a-chip (SoC) technology for future software-defined vehicles. The partnership targets the integration of Mythic’s analog compute-in-memory architecture to enhance AI processing efficiency while reducing power consumption in vehicle platforms. This move aligns with Honda’s broader shift toward centralized E/E architectures that require high-performance, low-latency silicon for real-time sensor fusion and automated driving functions.
Ford Pivots to Universal Platforms
Ford Motor Company is restructuring its product strategy around Universal Platforms to standardize vehicle architectures and reduce manufacturing complexity across its U.S. lineup. The shift emphasizes a hybrid-first approach to bridge the transition to software-defined vehicles (SDVs), with the Ford Pro division already surpassing 818,000 paid software subscriptions for fleet management and predictive maintenance. This architectural consolidation is intended to support a future low-cost EV platform while leveraging real-time data from its “always-on” vehicle fleet to drive recurring service revenue.
GM Recruits Lucid Leadership 4 SDV Partnerships
General Motors has appointed Claudia Gast as deputy CFO and vice president of strategy to lead the company’s corporate development and technology partnerships. Moving from a senior strategy role at Lucid Motors, Gast is tasked with scouting and integrating partnerships with technology firms to bolster GM’s software-centric vehicle initiatives. This leadership change reflects a broader industry trend of legacy OEMs recruiting talent from EV startups to navigate the transition toward centralized computing and automated driving systems.