HOW LEGACY AUTOMAKERS CAN SOLVE THEIR SOFTWARE PROBLEMS

EV Channels Review

This Autoline Exclusives episode features Jan Becker, CEO of Apex.ai, discussing the significant software development challenges faced by legacy automakers. Becker argues that traditional, siloed organizational structures and a cost-centric approach are ill-suited for the transition to software-defined vehicles. He advocates for a paradigm shift towards centralized computing, integrated development workflows with a few core suppliers, and a focus on value over cost. Becker highlights Tesla's rapid development of features like "dog mode" as an example of what's achievable with in-house software control and agile methodologies. He suggests that automakers need to embrace cultural and organizational changes, potentially hiring top-tier developers at high costs and empowering smaller, decision-making teams. While acknowledging the difficulty of this transition, Becker points to Apex.ai's software development kit (SDK) as a tool that can significantly accelerate the process, drawing parallels to the smartphone industry's development model.