Automotive software trends for 2024

Concerns about software quality and security are keeping automotive developers awake at night, according to the latest State of Automotive Software Development Report. This report, conducted by Perforce Software in collaboration with Automotive IQ and the Eclipse Foundation, sheds light on the increasingly digitalized nature of the automotive industry.

Among the 600 automotive development professionals surveyed, 29% identified software quality as their primary concern, surpassing safety, which was the main worry for 21%. Quality-related concerns include managing complex codebases, enforcing coding best practices, and finding sufficient time for testing, which 47% of teams find to be the most time-consuming activity.

Security has emerged as a top concern, surpassing safety concerns across all regions except the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This shift indicates a growing emphasis on security-first software development. With modern vehicles featuring up to 150 electronic control units (ECUs) for keyless entry, personalized driving experiences, efficiency, and performance, vulnerabilities arise, leaving them susceptible to hacking. Car system hacks increased by a staggering 225% from 2018 to 2021, with keyless entry and key fob attacks accounting for 50% of vehicle thefts.

To combat these threats, 59% of automotive software developers are adopting a shift-left security strategy, addressing vulnerabilities early in the coding process. Additionally, 62% are adhering to Motor Industry Software Reliability Association (MISRA) guidelines to ensure security and reliability in embedded software.

The survey also highlights the industry's focus on electric vehicles (EVs), with 51% of respondents extensively involved in EV projects. Developers allocate their efforts to various EV components, including powertrain design (41%), EV charging (41%), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) control systems (44%), and other components (15%). Despite sharing concerns about quality, security, and safety, these teams also grapple with time-to-market pressures and development cost management.

Regarding autonomous vehicles (AVs), 75% of developers are extensively working on them or to some degree. Safety and security are paramount concerns as software replaces traditional hardware components in AVs. Although there has been a decrease in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for product design and development, these technologies are widely employed in autonomous driving, connected cars, LIDAR, and chassis and safety systems.

The report underscores the significant challenges faced by developers in the automotive software industry, including meeting deadlines, regulatory standards, cybersecurity, and consumer expectations. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation. Solutions that address complexity, save time, and enhance security can drive progress and ensure the safe and secure movement of people worldwide. What role will you play in shaping the future of automotive software development?

1. How might the emphasis on software quality and security in automotive development affect the safety of vehicles on the roads?

2. In what ways do you think advancements in automotive software development could shape the future of transportation infrastructure?

3. Considering the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs), how might these developments impact traditional automotive manufacturing jobs?

4. How do you think the increasing digitalization of the automotive industry might influence consumer attitudes and behaviors towards car ownership?

5. With the growing focus on electric vehicles (EVs), what changes do you anticipate in the automotive repair and maintenance industry?

6. How might the shift towards security-first software development in automotive technology impact cybersecurity measures in other industries?

7. Considering the challenges faced by developers, how do you envision the role of government regulations in ensuring the safety and reliability of automotive software?

8. With the rise of autonomous vehicles (AVs), what potential disruptions do you foresee in the transportation sector, particularly for taxi and trucking industries?

9. How might advancements in automotive software development affect urban planning and city infrastructure, especially in relation to traffic management and congestion?

10. Given the focus on innovation and addressing challenges in automotive software development, what opportunities do you see for job creation in related fields such as data analysis, cybersecurity, and software engineering?