China’s automotive market is uniquely positioned to lead the software-defined vehicle revolution, said Robert Day, Go-to-Market Director of Arm’s Automotive Line of Business. He made the remarks in an interview at the Arm Tech Symposia on November 19 in Shanghai. “China’s original equipment makers (OEMs) are outpacing their global counterparts in both speed and ambition,” said Day. He added that many Chinese startups develop vehicles from scratch, integrating hardware and software tailored to local market demand. This commitment to innovation was evident at a workshop on Scalable Open Architecture for Embedded Edge (SOAFEE), held in Shanghai earlier this year. SOAFEE now has more than 140 global members, benefiting from participation by Chinese companies, including Geely, Lenovo and ThunderSoft.
Globally, vehicles are increasingly becoming software-driven platforms that blend advanced digital experiences with enhanced autonomy. Robert Day highlighted consumer demands for smarter, more connected vehicles that rival the usability of smartphones and tablets, as well as the industry’s pursuit of differentiation through advanced technologies. “Vehicles today are rapidly evolving into software platforms on wheels,” he explained, adding that these platforms rely on sophisticated AI systems to enable features such as autonomous driving and personalized in-cabin experiences. Arm has positioned itself as a leader in addressing these complexities, offering a comprehensive approach that integrates hardware and software.
A cornerstone of this strategy is the Automotive Compute Subsystem (ACS), a modular platform that includes central and graphics processing units, AI accelerators, as well as security features specifically designed for vehicles. Slated for a 2025 release, the ACS is designed to support a range of applications, from luxury sedans to autonomous trucks. Traditional automotive supply chains, which once followed a linear structure, are evolving into collaborative ecosystems. Day emphasized the importance of Arm’s virtual prototyping capabilities, which allow software and hardware development to proceed simultaneously. This approach significantly shortens time to market, enabling automakers to meet rising consumer expectations for rapid innovation. By working closely with Chinese and global partners, Arm is paving the way for software-defined vehicles to redefine mobility. “We are building a foundation where automakers, suppliers and technology partners can innovate together,” said Day, as reported by the China Daily.
