Introduction → Next-Generation Vehicles

The most radical automotive transformation in decades is that software will not just augment vehicle features, it will be what defines a vehicle. As the amount and value of software managing operations, functionality, and features of a vehicle eclipses mechanical hardware, it becomes a software-defined vehicle (SDV) (Figure 22.1). An SDV’s value to the customer is controlled by software. Advanced electronic and semiconductor hardware are important for software functionality. SDVs are the foundation of connected and fully autonomous (self-driving) vehicles. Note: SI (metric) units are used in this chapter because they are the scientific standard.