The Dispatch: Week 15
Hyundai launches 'Pleos' software brand. Sibros and Electra Vehicles collaborate on AI-powered battery intelligence. Conti and VW have big SDV plans for China.
SDV Insider | April 11, 2025
HAPPY FRIDAY! As spring unfolds across the northern hemisphere, the SDV world is blossoming with innovation, pivots, and some surprising strategy shifts. 🌸 Let’s jump into this week’s highlights.
🚀 Top Story
Hyundai Unveils 'Pleos' Software Brand
Hyundai Motor Group has launched 'Pleos', a new mobility software brand aimed at advancing its software-defined vehicle strategy. Announced at the Pleos 25 developer conference in Seoul on March 28, Pleos integrates high-performance vehicle chips and controllers, a connected vehicle operating system, cloud infrastructure, and mobility optimization for connected fleets. The initiative underscores Hyundai's commitment to evolving into a mobility tech company, with plans to install the 'Pleos Connect' infotainment system in 20 million vehicles by 2030.
Our Take 🧐 Hyundai's introduction of Pleos signifies a strategic move to position itself alongside leaders in the SDV space. By fostering an open development platform and collaborating with tech giants, Hyundai aims to enhance its in-vehicle software capabilities and offer a more personalized driving experience.
🌟 Key Industry Moves
Sibros and Electra Vehicles Partner for AI-Powered Battery Intelligence
Connected vehicle software platform company Sibros, has announced a strategic partnership with Electra Vehicles to enhance battery performance and safety using AI and neural networks. This collaboration combines Sibros’ Deep Logger® for real-time data collection with Electra’s EVE-Ai™ 360 Adaptive Controls, aiming to provide OEMs and fleet managers with predictive maintenance insights and optimized energy management.
This partnership addresses a critical aspect of SDVs—battery intelligence. By leveraging AI-driven diagnostics and real-time data, the collaboration promises to extend battery life and enhance vehicle safety, which are pivotal for the widespread adoption of electric SDVs.
ECARX Powers Geely's Galaxy Xingyao 8 with Advanced Cockpit Technology
ECARX has integrated its full-stack solution—including the Antora® 1000 computing platform and Skyland® Pro intelligent driving solution—into Geely's Galaxy Xingyao 8 PHEV sedan. Launched on April 10, this integration aims to deliver an immersive entertainment system, intuitive controls, and advanced safety features, showcasing ECARX's commitment to enhancing the intelligent driving experience.
ECARX's collaboration with Geely exemplifies how tech companies are becoming integral to automakers' efforts to differentiate their vehicles through advanced software and user-centric functionalities.
📈 Market & Regulation Watch
Google Adjusts Automotive Services to Comply with German Antitrust Regulations
Google has agreed to modify its Automotive Services offerings in Europe following concerns from Germany’s antitrust authority. The adjustments include unbundling services like Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant, allowing car manufacturers to select individual features. This move aims to foster competition and provide OEMs with greater flexibility in integrating services into their infotainment systems.
Google's compliance with regulatory demands reflects the increasing scrutiny tech companies face in the automotive sector. This development could set a precedent for how digital services are integrated into vehicles, emphasizing the need for open and competitive ecosystems.
🛠️ Tech & Innovation Spotlight
Continental and Volkswagen to Set the Stage at Auto Shanghai 2025
Continental will showcase its latest software-defined vehicle technologies at Auto Shanghai later this month, focusing on software platforms, autonomous driving, safety, and sustainability innovations—such as an entire ecosystem of high-end automotive lights. Meanwhile, Volkswagen Group has unveiled a massive product offensive specifically targeting the Chinese market, debuting a new generation of intelligent, fully connected vehicles across its VW, Audi, and Porsche brands.
Volkswagen’s push centers on next-gen digital cockpit experiences, Level 3 driving capabilities, and AI-powered voice assistants, with particular emphasis on localizing software development in China. New models, including a next-gen Volkswagen Tiguan and Audi Q6 e-tron SUV, highlight the transition to software-first vehicle architectures.
Shanghai 2025 marks a clear pivot: Automakers aren't just selling vehicles anymore — they're selling connected ecosystems. Both Continental and Volkswagen’s strategies emphasize that whoever wins the SDV race in China could dominate globally.
“China is an important market for the Volkswagen Group. Two years ago, we realigned our strategy. And we have made progress faster than initially planned. Our products are tailored to the needs of Chinese customers: with a clear design language and cutting-edge technologies. The Shanghai Auto Show is another milestone on our strategic path: we want to be the global tech driver for the automotive industry by 2035.”
— Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Board - Volkswagen AG
📚 What We’re Reading
👉 MotorTrend: "What Are Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates and Why They Matter"
(Read the article)
MotorTrend dives deep into the evolution of over-the-air (OTA) updates — moving beyond simple infotainment patches to critical safety, performance, and even powertrain adjustments. The piece outlines how OTA technology started with Tesla and has now become a strategic necessity for every major automaker, enabling continuous improvement of vehicles long after they leave the factory.
As SDVs become the norm, OTA capability isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a competitive differentiator. Automakers that master seamless, secure updates will not only improve vehicles faster but build lasting customer loyalty. It's clear: if you’re not OTA-ready, you’re already behind.
🌟 That’s a Wrap!
Thanks for tuning into this week's Dispatch! What are your thoughts on these developments? Feel free to reply or email us at editor@sdvinsider.com—we'd love to hear from you!
See you next time! 🚗
—
SDV Insider Staff