Honda and Nissan to standardize vehicle software for next-gen cars by late 2020s.

Honda and Nissan are partnering to create a common operating system for next-gen cars, aiming to catch up with Chinese EV makers and Tesla. The two Japanese companies plan to introduce vehicles with a new OS by the late 2020s, after previously negotiating a larger alliance that collapsed due to differences over terms. The partnership is focused on software integration and collaboration.

In a strategic move to enhance their competitive edge in the rapidly evolving automotive market, Honda Motor and Nissan Motor have entered into discussions to standardize the basic software that controls their vehicles. This collaborative effort aims to catch up with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers and Tesla of the United States [1].

The two Japanese automotive giants, who previously had merger talks that collapsed earlier this year, have continued to work together in various areas, including automotive software development. According to Nikkei, Honda and Nissan plan to introduce vehicles equipped with a new operating system by the late 2020s. In December 2024, the two carmakers entered talks to form the world's third-largest automotive alliance, although the negotiations collapsed due to differences over terms [1].

The partnership is focused on software integration and collaboration, with a shared goal of improving their technological capabilities. This move is particularly timely as the automotive industry transitions towards electric vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). By working together, Honda and Nissan aim to reduce development costs and accelerate the deployment of new technologies.

Separately, automotive software developer Elektrobit has signed a joint development agreement with electronics contract manufacturer Foxconn to build an AI-powered platform for software-defined, electric vehicles. The scalable vehicle architecture, dubbed "EV.OS," is designed to support multiple high-performance and real-time ECUs, as well as a service-oriented architecture [2].

The EV.OS platform aims to simplify the vehicle’s software systems and functions by separating them into independent, reusable parts. This design offers a high level of interoperability and allows each component to communicate with other networked devices in the vehicle, regardless of their embedded programming language or hardware configurations. The platform will also include a reference E/E architecture, non-differentiating EV operating system, and EV application.

Foxconn, known for its role in assembling high-tech electronics for Apple, is exploring partnerships with global automakers. In July 2021, Foxconn established the “Mobility in Harmony” Consortium, an open electric vehicle alliance with the primary goal of creating a standardized, open, and modular platform for next-generation EVs [2].

Elektrobit and Foxconn aim to reduce the platform’s complexity to accelerate its deployment and reduce the total cost of ownership. The collaboration between these two companies is expected to simplify the process of integrating software and hardware, making it easier for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to expand their EV portfolios into new markets.

In conclusion, Honda and Nissan's partnership to develop a common operating system for next-generation cars is a significant step towards enhancing their technological capabilities and staying competitive in the global automotive market. The collaboration with Foxconn by Elektrobit to build the EV.OS platform further underscores the industry's focus on standardization and simplification of vehicle software systems.

References:
[1] https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Automobiles/Honda-Nissan-to-create-common-operating-system-for-next-gen-cars
[2] https://www.automotivedive.com/news/elektrobit-foxconn-svds-joint-development-agreement-evos-platform/752385/