In the era of digital technology and automation, the automotive industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation.For decades, vehicle development has relied primarily on physical testing – time-consuming and costly experiments designed to validate performance, durability, and safety. Today, however, the global trend is shifting toward Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) and Virtual Testing Systems, where digital models increasingly replace traditional prototypes. This transformation represents far more than a tool upgrade. It is a revolution in how engineers design, evaluate, and optimize vehicles. Yet one fundamental question remains:Can virtual testing truly replace physical testing? Physical Testing – The Foundation of Reliability For more...
Introduction Over the past decades, the automotive industry has evolved from mechanical engineering to electronics and software. Today, software has become the “heart” of modern vehicles, driving everything from powertrain and safety systems to user experience. According to McKinsey, software can represent up to 40% of a car’s total value. Therefore, software engineering capability is now a key differentiator among OEMs and suppliers. 1. From Distributed ECUs to Centralized Architectures Traditionally, each vehicle function was controlled by a separate Electronic Control Unit (ECU) — leading to up to 100 ECUs per car. This caused complexity, high costs, and integration challenges....
