ETAS and ThunderSoft announce strategic collaboration to drive innovation in automotive software solutions

Shanghai April 23, 2024 – In response to the rapid development of automotive software and the increasing demand for In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) applications based on high-end System-on-Chips (SoCs) ETAS and ThunderSoft have announced a strategic collaboration at Auto Shanghai 2025. This partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both companies in the automotive sector to deliver innovative solutions that meet the needs of global customers.

Under this agreement, ETAS will utilize its deep expertise in safety-critical domains, particularly its leading advantage in developing AUTOSAR-standard vehicle software platforms. ThunderSoft will contribute its capabilities in creating reusable software modules for rich SoC platforms like Android, QNX, and Linux, along with its experience in providing engineering services for complex software stacks. Together, the companies will offer a comprehensive one-stop solution that integrates safety-related features with rich SoC functionalities, supported by an efficient engineering service team to ensure a seamless customer experience.

This collaboration targets not only Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturers (COEMs) but also provides customized solutions for global OEMs. Whether systems require high safety certifications or multifunctional integrations based on complex SoCs, the joint solution from ETAS and ThunderSoft is designed to meet diverse market demands. It helps customers shorten development cycles, reduce overall costs, and accelerate time-to-market.

As smart connected vehicles continue to evolve rapidly, the complexity and functionality requirements for IVI, ADAS, and VCU systems are rising. “The strategic collaboration between ETAS and ThunderSoft is set to drive technological breakthroughs in software platform services for intelligent vehicles, providing OEMs with enhanced cost-effectiveness and accelerated development efficiency”, said Dr. Thomas Irawan, President of ETAS and Chairman of the Board of Management. “This partnership not only enhances market competitiveness but also drives innovation and development in automotive electronics technology.”

Zhao Hongfei, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ThunderSoft said: "In the era of intelligent connected vehicles, software has become the core element defining automobiles. ThunderSoft has been deeply engaged in the field of intelligent operating systems for many years and has accumulated rich experience in SoC platform adaptation and engineering services for complex software stacks. ETAS's outstanding strength in key functional safety technologies and the development of AUTOSAR standard software platforms perfectly complements ours. Through this partnership, we will fully integrate the resources of both parties and break down technical barriers with a one-stop solution, providing software services that combine safety, reliability, and innovative experiences for global vehicle manufacturers. We believe that through this cooperation, we will not only assist our customers in accelerating product iteration and seizing the market opportunity, but also drive the industry towards a higher level of intelligence."

Persons on the picture above (from left to righ)t: ETAS President Dr. Thomas Irawan, ETAS Vice President Sales China Bo Li, ThunderSoft Intelligent BU VP and ThunderX CEO Xu Dongchao, and ThunderSoft Chairman and CEO Zhao Hongfei.

ThunderSoft, a well-known OS and intelligent device products and technology provider, has been continuously accumulating and innovating in the operating system field, with its business expanding gradually from smart phone to smart vehicle, AIoT and smart industries. ThunderSoft was successfully listed in 2015, which leads it to be China's very first listed technical company specialized in the intelligent operating system. Till now, ThunderSoft has covered more than 40 cities around the world, with a total of over 15,000 employees.

ETAS GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH, represented in twelve countries in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. ETAS' portfolio includes software development tools, software testing solutions, automotive middleware, data acquisition & processing tools, authoring & diagnostic solutions, automotive cybersecurity solutions, and end-to-end engineering and consulting services for the realization of software-defined vehicles. Our product solutions and services enable vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to develop, operate, and secure differentiating vehicle software with increased efficiency.