P3 Software Defined Vehicles Insights

Why to tackle disruptive implications of SDV

The transition to software-defined vehicles (SDVs) demands a fundamental transformation—one that is already underway. However, many legacy OEMs are struggling to keep pace in this rapidly evolving market. Successfully delivering an SDV requires a holistic shift toward a software-driven organization. P3 offers a structured approach spanning strategy, technology consulting, and software development to enable scalability, efficiency, and long-term competitiveness.

3 key pillars for SDV:

  1. SW-Defined Strategy
    OEMs must establish architectural leadership over the SDV stack while strategically leveraging external expertise. Key control points in system design and quality assurance are essential. A user-centric roadmap, informed by strategic market analysis and proof-of-concept (PoC) development, guides the transformation. In-house development is no goal in itself!
  2. SW-Defined Tech Consulting
    A flexible platform architecture allows for supplier agility while addressing regulatory constraints. Achieving a globally unified software stack is challenging, but modular software enhances efficiency. A software-centric procurement strategy ensures long-term technological alignment.
  3. Software Development
    SDV software must be modular, containerized, and API-driven for scalability. Traditional software quality assurance processes are too slow, necessitating a KPI-driven development approach. Independent release cycles and reusable software components, including open-source contributions, improve efficiency.

Industry Trends & Value Shift

Fast movers in the SDV value chain reduce dependency on Tier 1 suppliers, shifting value creation from component suppliers to software-centric OEMs. Collaboration models vary from traditional Tier 1 reliance (e.g., Hyundai, Ford) to scalable partnerships (e.g., Renault, Stellantis) and full-stack control (e.g., Tesla, NIO).

  • User experience (new services and features)
  • Scalability (same hardware, differentiated by software)
  • Development speed (common software stack)

Future vs. Today

  • Current Connected Vehicles: Limited OTA updates, static middleware, and onboard services.
  • Future SDVs: Continuous updates, cloud-based architecture, and full hardware abstraction with AI-driven adaptability.

P3 supports SDV transformation through architecture consulting, technology roadmaps, and strategic partnerships, positioning itself as a key enabler in the evolving automotive landscape.

What you will find in this report?

  • P3 competencies in the field of SDV
  • Detailed competitor analysis, including 12 OEMs with respective suppliers on each layer and categorization of AI application and market availability.
  • An overview of the essential components driving SDV.
  • Exclusive insights into the latest company-specific news with P3’s expert assessment.

All insights are derived from publicly available sources, with no consideration given to non-public information in the context of these market insights. Additionally, the image rights for all logos and images displayed here are owned by their respective companies.

Unlock the future of SDV

Discover how global OEMs are positioning themselves in the SDV market and gain the knowledge you need to make informed strategic decisions.

If you’re interested in hearing more about our experiences or the insights we gained, feel free to reach out!

DOWNLOAD

Author

Patrick Eisele

SHARE ARTICLE

Latest Updates

P3 Software Defined Vehicles Insights

Why to tackle disruptive implications of SDV

The transition to software-defined vehicles (SDVs) demands a fundamental transformation—one that is already underway. However, many legacy OEMs are struggling to keep pace in this rapidly evolving market. Successfully delivering an SDV requires a holistic shift toward a software-driven organization. P3 offers a structured approach spanning strategy, technology consulting, and software development to enable scalability, efficiency, and long-term competitiveness.

3 key pillars for SDV:

  1. SW-Defined Strategy
    OEMs must establish architectural leadership over the SDV stack while strategically leveraging external expertise. Key control points in system design and quality assurance are essential. A user-centric roadmap, informed by strategic market analysis and proof-of-concept (PoC) development, guides the transformation. In-house development is no goal in itself!
  2. SW-Defined Tech Consulting
    A flexible platform architecture allows for supplier agility while addressing regulatory constraints. Achieving a globally unified software stack is challenging, but modular software enhances efficiency. A software-centric procurement strategy ensures long-term technological alignment.
  3. Software Development
    SDV software must be modular, containerized, and API-driven for scalability. Traditional software quality assurance processes are too slow, necessitating a KPI-driven development approach. Independent release cycles and reusable software components, including open-source contributions, improve efficiency.

Industry Trends & Value Shift

Fast movers in the SDV value chain reduce dependency on Tier 1 suppliers, shifting value creation from component suppliers to software-centric OEMs. Collaboration models vary from traditional Tier 1 reliance (e.g., Hyundai, Ford) to scalable partnerships (e.g., Renault, Stellantis) and full-stack control (e.g., Tesla, NIO).

  • User experience (new services and features)
  • Scalability (same hardware, differentiated by software)
  • Development speed (common software stack)

Future vs. Today

  • Current Connected Vehicles: Limited OTA updates, static middleware, and onboard services.
  • Future SDVs: Continuous updates, cloud-based architecture, and full hardware abstraction with AI-driven adaptability.

P3 supports SDV transformation through architecture consulting, technology roadmaps, and strategic partnerships, positioning itself as a key enabler in the evolving automotive landscape.

What you will find in this report?

  • P3 competencies in the field of SDV
  • Detailed competitor analysis, including 12 OEMs with respective suppliers on each layer and categorization of AI application and market availability.
  • An overview of the essential components driving SDV.
  • Exclusive insights into the latest company-specific news with P3’s expert assessment.

All insights are derived from publicly available sources, with no consideration given to non-public information in the context of these market insights. Additionally, the image rights for all logos and images displayed here are owned by their respective companies.

Unlock the future of SDV

Discover how global OEMs are positioning themselves in the SDV market and gain the knowledge you need to make informed strategic decisions.

If you’re interested in hearing more about our experiences or the insights we gained, feel free to reach out!

DOWNLOAD

Author

Patrick Eisele

Simon Jung

TAGS

SHARE ARTICLE

Latest Updates

Thank you for your interest in our report!

P3 Software Defined Vehicle Insights

Shaping change: Insights and tools for your success

Discover how to lead your employees and your organization through change and make them fit for the future. With tailor-made solutions based on best practices, we support you at every step of your and your organization’s change journey.