COMMENT: Partnership should be the priority in systems integration

BY DOUG CARSON. With more than 50 microprocessors now fitted to many luxury vehicles, and powerful data buses increasing the speed of communication, the automotive industry is achieving aerospace levels of complexity at mass market prices - but what is the true potential of this integration? Could it reduce costs through signal sharing, or benefit the end user through greater functionality? And how can OEMs and suppliers cooperate and co-ordinate the many interfaces involved without risking intellectual and competitive interests?

• By Martin Kahl
• February 26, 2014