Automotive Software Development

Mark Fitzgerald, Director, with Chris Rommel, EVP, November 2025

The automotive industry is undergoing a software-driven transformation. The rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) is reshaping engineering workflows, supplier strategies, and the competitive dynamics of the global connected mobility ecosystem. As automakers embrace continuous innovation, software has become the foundation for differentiation, performance, and security.

This report examines the forces driving the next generation of automotive software development and cybersecurity. It explores the impact of evolving cybersecurity regulations, the growing role of AI and DevSecOps, and the expanding influence of partnerships and mergers across the automotive ecosystem. The report also features exclusive insights from VDC Research’s annual Voice of the Engineer survey, offering firsthand perspectives on the challenges and priorities shaping modern automotive engineering.