Aaron Alberts

As the automotive industry reacts to an uncertain future as far as regulatory requirements and market demand, new vehicle programs will be under intense pressure to drastically reduce product development time in order to remain competitive. Collobaration between design, engineering and manufacturing will provide agility and enable innovation.

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ADAS webinar TOMORROW! I really enjoy watching our Phoenix team crash cars into inflatable cars together (ok, just kidding, the ADAS system makes sure those crashes don't happen)! Check out the latest and greatest from our Exponent team regarding advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) challenges. (And for those of you who know me, yep, I still prefer to be the pilot!)

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Exciting times ahead in Michigan as the testing of the I-94 Automated Vehicle Corridor Project begins! 🚘🏁⚠️ Not just focusing on physical infrastructure, but also on digital infrastructure. [Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/eAAi5A76]

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Linus shows step by step how to recreate issues from a charging station in a test case within vTESTstudio and CANoe: https://lnkd.in/dGPpTw5S 🔋

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Today, Qt Software Quality Solutions has announced the release of Coco 7.2.1. This latest maintenance release includes over 20 bug fixes based on testing and customer feedback. Some of the highlights include: - Added Chinese translation for the Coverage Browser. - Improved command line analysis performance for incoherent instrumentation. - Function Profiler data now available in HTML reports. - CSV reports include detailed condition coverage info. - Uninstrumented source files now appear in reports. - New --cs-record-call command line argument to allow recording coverage for functions that might break the execution flow. Check out the full list of updates and learn how to get started with Coco code coverage analysis here: https://lnkd.in/e43w_hET #SoftwareQualityAssurance #SQA #CodeCoverage #SoftwareTesting #CodeAnalysis https://qt.smh.re/2Ai

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Cummins uses Simcenter Amesim to cut prototypes by 50% and reduce lead times by one month, creating integrated and scalable mechatronic system simulations. | #Simcenter 💡 "Simcenter Amesim allows us to conduct comprehensive system-level simulation, providing valuable insights that inform our design decisions." - Anoop Sunil, Technical Specialist, Cummins As we transition to alternate energy sources, Simcenter Amesim is crucial for efficient design and cost-saving. Read the full story here: https://sie.ag/3LgXxC

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The end of ZIRP has hit a lot of companies very hard (I should know, I got terminated 🙃). But! One great side-effect is an increased interest from Automotive OEMs and suppliers for collaboration in open source projects! Come check out how Eclipse uProtocol can help wrangle all your apps 🤠

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Nissan’s Lifeline: Honda’s Game-Changing Acquisition in the Works: A Turning Point for the Auto Industry? The automotive world is buzzing with speculation about Honda’s reported acquisition of Nissan—a potential game-changer that could redefine the industry. If confirmed, the merger would combine Honda’s engineering prowess with Nissan’s leadership in electric vehicles, creating a powerful alliance to rival global competitors like Tesla and emerging Chinese EV giants. Shared platforms, expanded R&D, and cost efficiencies could accelerate innovation and market dominance. However, challenges loom large. Integrating distinct corporate cultures, overcoming regulatory scrutiny, and balancing legacy operations with EV advancements will test the merger’s success. If this deal goes through, it could signal the start of a new era in automotive history. What are your thoughts on this potential alliance?

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Rivian faces more layoffs, indicating another down cycle for the EV maker in the past 3 years. Too many hiring and firing cycles in short span. Despite having wonderful products and a great following, their potential in the Auto sector seems hindered by challenges in planning and execution. Reports from employees at the Normal, IL plant suggest an environment of organized chaos on the shop floor. What are your thoughts on this situation? Any advice for Rivian to streamline their processes and navigate through these turbulent times? #Rivian #EV #AutoSector #Challenges #Planning #Execution #Layoffs

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VW, and more specifically its software arm Cariad, has struggled in recent years to deliver what some in the industry have dubbed a “software-defined vehicle.” This jargon industry term, sometimes abbreviated to SDV, means any car, truck or SUV with capabilities that can be upgraded over time (or even new functions added) via software. Automakers view these so-called software-defined vehicles as a new way to make money via in-car entertainment and services; it’s also seen essential for automakers aiming to compete with Tesla.

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Why Volkswagen Is Investing Up to $5 Billion in Rivian Volkswagen plans to invest up to $5 billion in Rivian to bolster its technology portfolio, providing much-needed cash for Rivian and gaining software development expertise in return. Rivian, which began delivering its debut electric pickup in 2021, has faced production and funding challenges, leading to delays in its planned Georgia assembly plant. The agreement includes an immediate $1 billion investment, followed by additional investments and loans totaling $4 billion through 2026. This collaboration aims to reduce vehicle production costs for both companies and utilize Rivian’s software and electric architecture in Volkswagen’s vehicles, with the first joint venture vehicles expected to launch in the late 2020s. Following the announcement, Rivian’s shares surged by approximately 40% in pre-market trading. https://lnkd.in/eYt9nXtd

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This video from Duke University is a great example of how finding the right solutions first requires the "needs" or "must have" requirements, and clearly articulating the intention of those needs. Clear Objective = Lots of good ideas Clear Needs = The best product I know little about ADAS detection systems but a simple needs statement like "must be difficult/impossible to trick 😅" will lead to clever people developing real tests (such as this MadRadar), or model, which can quickly zero in on solutions that will work, This will save precious time and resources by quickly ruling out cool ideas which just won't suit your products needs. #innovation

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Why Traditional Automakers Struggle to Become Tech Companies Recent news about GM shutting down its autonomous vehicle development program has been widely interpreted as a failure of the entire self-driving car concept. But the truth is more nuanced. It’s not just about the technology itself — it’s about how traditional companies struggle to behave like tech companies, no matter how hard they try. 📉 The Clash of Business Models In the tech world, sacrificing short-term profitability for long-term market leadership is considered normal — even after a company goes public. Founders often retain significant control to resist investor pressure and pursue visionary goals that might not pay off for years. In the traditional automotive industry, things work very differently. Investors expect steady dividends and predictable profits. If carmakers dare to operate at a loss “for the sake of the future,” activist investors will quickly hold management accountable — or outright replace them. This structural difference makes it hard for automakers like GM to become true tech companies. Competing in the tech space requires being ready to endure significant financial losses for years while chasing uncertain leadership in emerging markets. That’s a risk automakers simply can’t afford. 🚗 Why Tesla Is the Exception Tesla’s success is often attributed to its innovation, but there’s another critical factor: Elon Musk’s ability to “outlast his investors.” His resilience against financial market pressure and willingness to sustain losses for long-term growth played a crucial role in Tesla’s rise. Unlike traditional car company CEOs, Musk can’t be easily replaced if quarterly results fall short. This gives Tesla a unique edge, allowing it to remain a tech-driven leader despite the risks. Traditional car executives don’t have that same luxury. 🔍 Not Just About Cars This challenge isn’t limited to the automotive industry. Any traditional company trying to “become a tech company” faces similar obstacles. Investor pressure, lack of flexibility, and a deep-rooted focus on immediate returns create barriers that even the most innovative initiatives struggle to overcome. The longer companies ignore this fundamental difference, the shorter their “long-term” prospects may become. 📖 Read more: Why Automakers Keep Learning They’re Not Tech Companies https://lnkd.in/dhM7dsyu #TechCompanies #AutomotiveIndustry #GM #Tesla #BusinessStrategy #LongTermPlanning #Innovation #AutonomousVehicles #InvestmentStrategies #WeekendRead

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