[Editor's Note] SDV (Software Defined Vehicle) is a key word in the paradigm shift of the automobile industry. The benefits that can be obtained through SDV are the continuous upgrade of software, and it seems that profits can be created in various places based on securing connectivity with the existing traditional automobile industry and other industries. In line with this trend, our magazine will hold a webinar on December 8 with Vector, which is developing a Vehicle OS in cooperation with more than half of the world's automobile manufacturers, on the topic of 'Latest Trends in SDV Architecture', and will learn about the definition and characteristics of SDV architecture as well as how it is currently being developed in the industry. Before that, we heard from the webinar speaker, Kim Eui-yeol, head of the Vector Korea business division.
■ Please introduce Vector Korea.
Vector is a software company that develops comprehensive solutions for vehicle development, supporting customers in various areas including vehicle architecture, systems, software, communications, diagnostics, calibration and consulting services.
Vector Korea, one of 14 global branches, has a great influence on the Korean automotive market, and in particular, its CANoe product for simulating and testing CAN communication used in vehicles has become an essential tool for almost all vehicle developers.
Vector Korea provides vision to vehicle manufacturers and partners and provides solutions for the latest technologies. Vector's software enables customers to understand trends in the latest technologies and build processes and tool chains to achieve their goals.
Vector is not just a tool provider; we aim to build strategic partnerships and always strive to support our customers in sync with their goals.
■ There is a lot of interest in SDV. Why is SDV in the spotlight and what are the prospects?
SDV refers to the transformation of the automobile industry, which used to create value through existing hardware, into an industry similar to the IT industry, which creates value through software.
The automotive industry needs major changes to achieve this.
It is necessary to address technically complex challenges such as a centralized architecture based on high-performance computers, an Ethernet communication backbone for fast data transmission, and enhanced connectivity with the cloud to receive external information and strengthen interfaces.
Additionally, the automotive industry, which places a high priority on safety, needs to shorten its long lead times and transition to a development environment that allows for continuous updates.
This technological paradigm shift requires a change in architecture, which means changes in development organizations, processes, and development toolchains.
Companies that plan to respond to the change to the SDV system will survive and take the lead, while those that fail to recognize or accept the change will be eliminated.
■ Please introduce Vector’s SDV-related technology.
Vector is 60% owned by a non-profit organization, which owns 6% of the total shares and participates in management.
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These management principles prevent the acquisition of management rights through profit, so that the company cannot be acquired or merged with any company, and can maintain independence in a neutral position and focus solely on technological development.
Based on the above organizational structure, approximately 9,000 customer companies work with Vector to develop technologies, share design data, and carry out numerous projects for mass production.
The experience and know-how developed with our customers in this way are well internalized in our products.
This has the advantage of minimizing trial and error and enabling efficient development simply by using Vector's tools.
In addition, we created concepts such as Base Layer and Software Factory for SDV and laid the foundation for jointly developing Vehicle OS based on these.
As a result of these efforts, more than half of the world's automobile manufacturers are working with Vector to develop their Vehicle OS.
Not only Vector, but also overseas automobile manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers are preparing for this technology more quickly than domestic companies, and are deeply analyzing detailed technologies and starting development.
Through various experiences like the above, Vector is also growing by sharing successes and failures.
■ Among the SDV related keywords, Zonal ArThere is a chitecture. What are the advantages compared to the existing architecture?
Zonal Architecture is considered an advanced form of centralized architecture that utilizes HPC (High-Performance Computing).
Zonal Controller allows for effective integration of hardware components, simplifying parts and reducing costs.
At the same time, it has the advantage of simplifying communication and wiring and minimizing installation space, thereby securing additional interior space in the vehicle.
Additionally, the Zonal Controller and modules, which simplify the connection of communication wiring and wiring harnesses, have the advantage of being able to be installed efficiently regardless of the type or size of the vehicle.
■ At the last Vector Tech Day 2023, it was announced that the core of SDV is value creation through continuous software updates. Please tell me about this
The benefit that customers purchasing a vehicle can get through SDV is the continuous upgrade of software.
If a feature that was not available at the time of vehicle purchase becomes available through an update after purchase, or if the vehicle's performance (such as the EV's driving range or autonomous driving technology) improves, customers will be willing to invest in this value.
Additionally, SDV can secure connectivity with the existing traditional automobile industry and other industries.
Through collaboration with various industries such as delivery, logistics, e-commerce, and fashion that have not been attempted before, we can provide convenient, customized services to customers and enable customization.
Not only car manufacturers but also the IT industry is expected to focus on this new market, and the value that these technologies provide to customers will be able to generate a lot of profits, just like the success stories of the mobile industry.
■ I am curious about Vector Korea's 2023 performance, 2024 goals, and market strategy.
In 2023, Vector Korea promoted the new features of various tools and the completeness of the adaptive platform in response to the changing SDV trend.
At the same time, SDV successfully carried out various customer projects with excellent technical skills. We were able to demonstrate our unrivaled technological prowess in the field.
In 2024, we aim to support the Korean automobile industry to effectively respond to rapidly changing trends through the experience and know-how of advanced domestic and foreign companies.
To this end, we aim to provide insights to customers by hosting various marketing events and SDV symposiums and to support customers so that new technologies can be successfully established in the market.
■ Please give a brief introduction of the content you will be announcing on December 8th and say a few words to the readers.
I would like to convey broad and diverse knowledge about SDV's architectural trends rather than technical depth.
At a time when many technologies, industries, and engineers are struggling with strategies to respond to changing trends, we hope that this will provide practical information to help establish business strategies and technology development plans for the next few years, allowing each person to set an effective direction in their own work environment and situation.